"Effortless" Veggie Burger

Hmmmmm Burgers...

Who doesn't love a great burger? Outside of hot dogs, burgers are considered one of America's favorite foods.

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved burgers. As I grew older and became more aware of the food I was ingesting, I had an idea to make some of my favorite food healthier. Thanks to my vegetarian best friend and pescatarian brother—I'm always creating new fun and healthy recipes.

Equipment you will need:

• Food processor 

• Non-stick skillet

• Spatula

• 1/4 sheet pan

• Wax paper

• Preheated oven to 375

Ingredients: (This recipe makes 5 medium-sized patties)

• 1 can of black beans

• 1 cup of Bella mushrooms

• 1 poblano pepper (cut into large chunks)

• 1/2 red onion (cut into large chunks)

• 2 cups of plain rolled oats

• 5 pretzel buns

• 5 slices of American cheese

• 1 sliced tomato

• 5 large pieces of lettuce

• 3 tbsp of oil

1 Tbsp of each

• cumin

• granulated garlic

• black pepper

• salt

1 Tsp of each

• cayenne pepper

• oregano

• smoked paprika

Steps:

1. Place beans, peppers, onions, mushrooms, oats, and seasonings into the food processor. Blend until ingredients are completely mixed together. the consistency should resemble mashed potatoes. 

2. Lay your wax paper on your sheet tray. Make 5 patties and place them on the sheet tray. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat.

4. Place burgers in skillet and sear until brown on both sides (4 minutes per side)

5. Place skillet in oven and bake burgers for 15 minutes. (Add cheese to burgers the last 5 minutes)

6. Remove burgers from oven and assemble.