Black Bean Burgers

These jerk BBQ pineapple burgers are some of the best veggie burgers I've had! I love using black beans for burger patties because they hold together so well; however, I occasionally use chickpeas or quinoa as well. Regardless, the flavors in these burgers are insane.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups carrots (grated )
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (roughly chopped)
• 2 cups plain breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking (optional))
• 12 pineapple rings
• 6 burger buns (split and toasted)
• 2 cups jerk BBQ sauce
• Guacamole (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. 2Put all the burger ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until broken down and well combined. If the mixture is too sticky, add more breadcrumbs until it's "paste-y" enough to form into a ball without difficulty.
3. 3Using your hands, form the mixture into 6 medium-size patties about 4 inch thick.
4. 4If you like your veggie burgers with a well-browned crust, pan-fry the patties a bit first. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the patties and cook until browned on both sides, cooking 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining patties.
5. 5Carefully place the patties on the sheet pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crispy.
6. 6Meanwhile, grill the pineapple rings: Preheat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat, then place the pineapple rings on the pan and lightly char on each side, 3 to 4 minutes total. Set aside.
7. 7When the burgers are done, remove them from the oven and serve immediately on toasted buns. Top with jerk BBQ sauce and 2 pineapple rings and, if desired, add a dollop of guacamole.