Red Bean Burgers

ABOUT THE RECIPE:

These totally tasty Vegan Red Bean Burgers stand in pleasingly for a traditional burger, featuring the hearty texture of protein-rich, red beans along with other nutritious goodies. 

Makes 6 servings  

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 can (15 to 16 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons ketchup, plus more as needed
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups freshly ground vegan whole-grain bread crumbs (from about 3 large slices, use gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup quick cooking rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
• 4 tablespoons firmly packed, shredded zucchini (do not peel)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with unbleached parchment paper. Coat the parchment paper with 2 teaspoons olive oil.

Put the beans, ketchup, 1½ tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika and salt into a bowl and mash together, using a potato masher or large spoon, until most of the beans are mashed. Fold in the bread crumbs, rolled oats and zucchini and stir together to combine. (If the mixture still seems a little dry, add a bit more ketchup.)

To form a burger, scoop up a rounded 1/3 cup of the mixture, using a measuring cup. Firmly pack the burger mixture into the measuring cup and drop it onto the lined pan. Gently press the burger using a flat spatula to form it into the shape of a burger. Continue in this manner until you have formed a total of 6 burgers.

Tent with foil and bake for 18 minutes. Remove the foil and flip the burgers over. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the burgers are golden around the edges and firming up.

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool 10 minutes. (The burgers will be a bit soft, so handle them carefully.) Serve warm.