Scrumptious Black Bean Cheeseburgers

topped with spicy chipotle mayo & served with cumin carrots:

YUM! It's one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Healthy but incredibly flavorful, I am absolutely in love with these easy, delicious, and budget-friendly burgers.

Whip up some creamy chipotle mayo to top them with -- it's an addition that makes a wonderful difference. Just mix hot sauce, cayenne pepper, a dash of chili powder, and mayo. It's a spread that is both cool and spicy at the same time.  With every bite it smothers the lightly crisped burger in a positively delectable, heavenly way.

The bean patty itself is toasty on the outside and soft on the inside. It's earthy, richly flavorful, and simply feels good to eat. It's all best when served between an extra-soft hamburger bun. Perhaps you'll want to top yours with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce...

... with a side of sweet and spicy cumin scented carrots, I think I'll take this burger just the way it is: purely delicious.

Black Bean Burgers: serves 2

Ingredients:

1/4 of a Spanish onion

1 (14-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Divide in two portions.

2 T. mayo

1/4 cup dry whole wheat breadcrumbs 

1 t. ground cumin

1 t. chile powder

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

1/8 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

1 T. olive oil

2 soft hamburger buns

1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions:

Process the Spanish onion, then pulse 1/2 the can of beans together with the mayo, bread crumbs, and spices until a lumpy puree forms. Transfer into a bowl and stir together with the 1/2 can of whole beans. Preheat pan to medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Form two evenly sized patties, as from 3/4-1" thick, then place down in the pan. Heat for a couple of minutes on one side, then when it's crisped, flip over. In the last minute of cooking, add the cheese on top to melt and toast the bun if you'd like. Top with chipotle mayo and any other desired toppings. 

Cumin Carrots:

Ingredients:

2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch rounds

1 T. olive oil

1 t. salt

1 t. cayenne pepper

2 t. cumin

1 t. hot sauce

1/2 t. cinnamon

Directions:

Toss together all the ingredients in a bowl, until the carrots are evenly coated with the oil and spices. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the entire bowl's contents. Cook the carrots until tender and soft.