Mexi-Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients:
1, 15 ounce cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
½ red or yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ jalapeno, finely chopped
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg or ¼ c egg substitute
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp. chipotle powder
Juice from ½ lime
3/4 c plain breadcrumbs

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, mash beans with a potato masher.
2. Add chili and chipotle powder, and lime juice to beans, stir well.
3. Next add chopped vegetables and garlic, combine well.
4. Add the egg or egg substitute to the bowl and stir until all ingredients are combined evenly.
5. Next, mix in bread crumbs slowly using the spoon or your hands.
6. Form 5 patties from mixture.
7. Cook in a pan using 1 Tbsp canola oil over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or wrap in foil and place on grill for 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve with reduced fat cheese slice, tomatoes, lettuce, and/or avocado if desired.

Yield: 5 black bean patties

Nutrient information per serving: 179 calories, 8 gm protein, 26 g carbohydrate with 5 g fiber, 5 g fat with <1 g saturated fat, 42 mg cholesterol (0 mg cholesterol if egg substitute used), 317 mg sodium.

Source: Recipe adapted by Marianne Wetherill, RD/LD  St. John Medical Center