Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers

Tender, savory vegetarian burgers made with mashed sweet potato, black beans, oats, onion, and cumin. Chill the patties briefly so they hold together while pan-cooking, then serve with crisp lettuce and creamy avocado.

Prep: 25 min · Cook: 30 min · Yield: 4 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 1 medium (about 8 oz/225 g) sweet potato
• 15 oz can (425 g), rinsed and well drained black beans
• 0.75 cup (70 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 0.5 small (about 3 oz/85 g) yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
• 0.75 teaspoon (4 g) kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 4 buns hamburger buns
• 4 leaves lettuce leaves
• 1 medium, sliced avocado

Cooking instructions

1. Prick the sweet potato several times with a fork. Microwave on high until very tender, 5 to 8 minutes, turning halfway; or bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. Cool until easy to handle, peel, and mash until mostly smooth. (about 8 min) — High microwave or 425°F (220°C) oven
2. While the sweet potato cooks, finely chop the onion. Pat the drained black beans dry with paper towels. Pulse the oats in a food processor 3 to 4 times, or crush them lightly with a rolling pin. (about 5 min)
3. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork, leaving some small pieces intact. Add the mashed sweet potato, oats, onion, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined and firm enough to shape; if very soft, let stand for 5 minutes to hydrate the oats. (about 5 min)
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, about 5 oz (140 g) each. With damp hands, form 4 patties about 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Place on a plate, cover, and chill for 15 minutes. (about 15 min) — Refrigerate
5. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook until a browned crust forms, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium-low if they brown too quickly. The centers should be steaming hot and reach at least 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. (about 12 min) — Medium, then medium-low; 165°F (74°C) internal
6. Toast the buns in the skillet if desired. Serve each burger on a bun with lettuce and sliced avocado. (about 3 min)