Earlier I wrote about the Beyond Burger and compared it to both beef and turkey burgers, nutritionally and from a processed foods stand point. I promised I would share my preferred burger. Again I’m not saying a vegetarian diet is “healthier” than someone’s who may eat meat, I do eat poultry and fish as well as dairy and eggs, but I do prefer WHOLE foods that are minimally processed and I don’t feel that eating a lot of meat is a good dietary option, for me.

This past week we received our Misfit’s Box and it contained 4 zucchini. That may not seem like a lot, but let me tell you, I was able to create this recipe, two loaves of pumpkin zucchini bread and still had some left over for a zoodle bowl for lunch! (mmmmmm more recipes I’ll have to share with you!) Also, if you want to try Misfits for 30% off click here .

Vegan Zucchini Black Bean BurgerThis vegan black bean burger is spicy, meaty, and full of flavor. The zucchini and corn add a hearty texture that will leave you full and satisfied. 

ServingsPrep Time6patties20minutes

Cook Time24minutes

Ingredients

• 1-15 oz can black beans If using homemade beans, use 2 cups
• 1 medium zucchini shredded and drained of liquid
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup corn
• 1 Tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 dashes hot sauce optional, for extra spicy burgers
• 3 Tbsp ground flaxseed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a food processor grate the zucchini and squeeze out the excess water.
3. Mince and sautee the onion and garlic clove. 
4. In a large bowl, place 3/4 of the can of black beans and all the spices. Mash until a sticky paste begins to form.
5. Add in remaining black beans, zucchini and corn. Mix well with spoon.
6. Add 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and mix well, until the batter is coated with flax. (** Next time I may reduce the amount of flax I use, or toast it in a pan first– I don’t enjoy a really strong flax taste that most of these types of burger recipes seem to have)
7. Adjust seasoning to taste as necessary.
8. Form into 6 patties
9. Bake on parchment paper for 12 minutes. Flip and bake for an additional 12 minutes. (**I also recommend broiling them for a minute or two or throwing them on a skillet just to crunch up the outside a bit more).
10. Serve warm with your favorite toppings. 

Recipe Notes

** Note 2:  3/4 of a can of black beans = ~1 cup.  You will have about 1/4 – 1/2 cups left in the can for Step 5.  If you are using canned black beans, grind 1 1/2 cups in the food processor with the spices AND 1-2 Tbsp of water.  Leave 1/2 cup for Step 5.

Recipe adapted from Rabbit Food Runner Blog

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