From the Kitchens of Amy & JJ

If 2025 means you have made a resolution to try new things, let us help with a new recipe! This recipe is from NDSU Extension and has previously been featured in a KFGO Cookbook. This recipe and information is provided by NDSU Extension. They are a wonderful resource for food preservation and preparation.
If you are looking to stretch your food dollar, dry beans are budget friendly but they are time consuming to prepare. Try canned beans, or cook larger batches of dry beans at once and freeze for later use. And, a health tip: cook with dry beans if you are watching your sodium intake. If you prefer canned beans, drain and rinse them.

Did you know? Beans can be categorized as a vegetable or a protein in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food groups. These nutrient powerhouses are high in fiber and protein, which help keep us full. They also contain antioxidants, phosphorus, iron and B vitamins. They can help protect against diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Black Bean Burgers
Ingredients –
– 2 (15 ox) cans black beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry
– 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 3/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
– 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tbsp)
– 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup bread crumbs or oat flour
– 1/2 cup feta cheese
– 2 large eggs
– 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
– 2 Tbsp. ketchup, mayor or barbecue sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions –
Preheat over to 325 F. Spread beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried out. Meanwhile, saute olive oil, chopped bell pepper, onion and garlic over medium heat until peppers and onions are soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Gently blot out some of the moisture. Place in a large bowl or in a food processor with the remaining ingredients (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, Worcestershire, ketchup, salt and pepper). Stir or pulse everything together, then add the black beans. Mash with a fork or pulse the mixture, leaving some larger chunks of beans. Form into patties using a 1/3 cup of mixture for each. This should make 6 burgers.

To bake: Place patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 10 minutes on each side, 20 minutes total.

To grill: Place patties on greased aluminum foil and grill 8 minutes on each side. Grill on medium-high heat about 350 – 400 F.
Serve with your favorite toppings. Try mashed avocado, caramelized onion or a slice of cheese. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days.