Pinto Bean Quinoa Burgers

Pinto bean quinoa burgers are a hearty and nutritious plant-based option for those who love veggie burgers. They offer a great source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients while being versatile enough to customize with different flavors. Here's a simple recipe for making pinto bean quinoa burgers:

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Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
Burger buns, lettuce, tomato, and other toppings as desired

Instructions

Prepare the Quinoa: If you don't have pre-cooked quinoa, cook about 1/3 cup of dry quinoa according to the package instructions, then let it cool.
Make the Flax Egg: Combine the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
Mash the Pinto Beans: In a large mixing bowl, add the pinto beans and mash with a fork or potato masher until partially smooth, leaving some texture.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, flax egg, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Stir until everything is well combined.
Form the Burger Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape them into burger patties about 1/2 inch thick.
Cook the Burgers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the burger patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
Serve the Burgers: Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, avocado, or barbecue sauce.

Tips for Success

Binding the Patties: If the mixture is too crumbly, add more breadcrumbs. If it's too wet, add more breadcrumbs or a bit more quinoa.
Grill-Friendly: If you want to grill the burgers, make them a bit thicker and use a grilling tray to prevent them from falling apart.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the patties in advance and freeze them for later use. Just thaw them before cooking.
Alternative Cooking Methods: You can also bake these burgers at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fry them for a healthier option.

Enjoy your pinto bean quinoa burgers! They are perfect for a casual dinner or a summer barbecue and can be easily customized to suit your taste.