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Spicy Black Bean & Corn Burgers

Spicy Black Bean & Corn Burgers with Avocado Salsa – A Flavor-Packed Vegetarian Delight


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

The Spicy Black Bean & Corn Burger with Avocado Salsa is a creative and flavor-packed take on the classic veggie burger. This recipe blends hearty, protein-packed black beans with sweet, crunchy corn kernels, complemented by an exciting array of spices. It features a slightly smoky, mildly spicy flavor profile balanced by the creamy richness of the avocado salsa.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Spicy Black Bean & Corn Burgers:

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and mashed

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

  • 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced

  • 12 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust based on spice tolerance)

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)

For the Avocado Salsa:

  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

  • 1 small tomato, diced

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • A pinch of chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)


Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture

Begin by mashing the black beans in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. The texture should be smooth but still a little chunky to provide some texture to the burger. Once mashed, add the corn, breadcrumbs, cheese (if using), cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until fully combined.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeños to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Once cooked, add the sautéed vegetables to the black bean mixture.

3. Bind the Mixture

To bind the ingredients together, add the lime juice, cilantro, and egg (or flax egg for a vegan version) to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a sticky mixture that can hold together to form patties.

4. Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions (depending on the desired size of your burgers). Shape each portion into a patty. To ensure the patties hold together well during cooking, place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to cook.

5. Cook the Patties

In the same skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You want the patties to have a nice, crisp crust while remaining moist and flavorful inside.

Notes

These spicy black bean & corn burgers are a flavorful, meat-free alternative that even non-vegetarians will love. They hold up well on the grill or skillet and can be made ahead for easy weeknight dinners. Serve with your favorite toppings—avocado, salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt—and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, texture, and taste!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spicy Black Bean & Corn Burgers