Introduction
This flavorful burger recipe is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. With a medley of black beans, fresh herbs, and spicy notes from the chili, these patties are complemented by a refreshing kale salad. Enjoy this veggie dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy any appetite!
Ingredients
½ red onion
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 fresh red chilli
2 spring onions
1 x 400g tin of black beans
100g fresh breadcrumbs
1 lemon
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons natural yoghurt
80g baby kale
30g rocket
Olive oil
1 ripe beef tomato
75g mozzarella cheese
2 wholemeal buns
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
16 minutes
Total Time
36 minutes
Yield
3 servings
Method
1. Peel the red onion, finely slice into rounds, and place in a small bowl with the balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.
2. Halve, deseed, and finely chop the red chilli. Trim and finely chop the spring onions. Place both in a mixing bowl.
3. Drain the black beans and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Add to the mixing bowl along with the fresh breadcrumbs.
4. Season the mixture, then combine it using clean hands. Divide into three balls, flatten into patties, and place two in the fridge to chill for 10 minutes. (Wrap and freeze the spare patty for another day.)
5. In a small bowl, combine half the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and the natural yoghurt. Season well.
6. Trim the baby kale and mix it into the dressing along with the rocket. Set aside.
7. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, fry the burgers for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden. If they color too quickly, reduce the heat.
8. Slice the beef tomato and mozzarella into rounds, and open the wholemeal buns.
9. When the burgers are almost cooked, top each one with mozzarella. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
10. In another pan over high heat, warm the bun halves, cut-side down, for 2 minutes or until toasted.
11. Lift the onions out of the balsamic vinegar with a fork.
12. Place slices of tomato on each bun base, add a burger on top, then top with the balsamic onions and the bun lid. Serve the kale salad alongside.
Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful veggie burger with a side of fresh kale salad!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Onion
Peel the red onion and finely slice it into rounds. Place the sliced onion in a small bowl and add the balsamic vinegar along with a pinch of sea salt. Set the bowl aside to allow the onions to marinate.
Step 2: Chop the Chilli and Spring Onions
Halve the fresh red chilli, deseed it, and finely chop it. Trim the ends of the spring onions and finely chop them as well. Combine both the chopped chilli and spring onions in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add Black Beans and Breadcrumbs
Open the tin of black beans, drain them, and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Add the black beans to the mixing bowl along with the fresh breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Combine and Form Patties
Season the mixture in the mixing bowl to your liking, then use clean hands to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Divide the mixture into three equal portions, shape each into a ball, and flatten them into patties. Place two of the patties in the fridge to chill for 10 minutes. You can wrap and freeze the spare patty for future use.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine half of the lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and the natural yoghurt. Season the dressing well according to your taste.
Step 6: Mix the Salad Ingredients
Trim the baby kale and mix it into the dressing along with the rocket (arugula). Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 7: Cook the Burgers
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, fry the prepared burger patties for approximately 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. If the patties color too quickly, lower the heat to prevent burning.
Step 8: Prepare Tomato and Mozzarella
Slice the ripe beef tomato and mozzarella cheese into rounds. Also, open the wholemeal buns for assembly.
Step 9: Melt the Mozzarella
When the burger patties are nearly cooked, top each one with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.
Step 10: Toast the Buns
In another pan heated over high heat, warm the bun halves, placing them cut-side down for about 2 minutes or until they are toasted to your preference.
Step 11: Assemble the Burgers
Using a fork, lift the marinated onions out of the balsamic vinegar. On each bun base, place a slice of tomato, followed by a burger patty. Top the burger with the balsamic onions and then place the bun lid on top.
Step 12: Serve the Kale Salad
Serve the assembled burgers alongside the kale salad that you prepared earlier.
Notes
Onion Marination
Allowing the onions to marinate in balsamic vinegar helps to soften their flavor and adds a delicious tang to the dish.
Patty Texture
When forming the patties, ensure they are tightly packed to maintain their shape while cooking.
Cheese Melting
Covering the pan while melting the cheese traps heat and ensures an even melt throughout the mozzarella.
Customization
You can customize your burgers with additional toppings or switch out the salad greens based on your preferences.

Cook techniques
Slicing
Proper slicing enhances the texture and flavor of ingredients. For the red onion, slice it into thin rounds to allow it to marinate and absorb the balsamic vinegar flavor effectively.
Marinating
Marinating ingredients like red onion in balsamic vinegar infuses them with flavor and softens their texture. It’s a simple technique that elevates the dish.
Mixing
Combine the chopped red chilli and spring onions with the black beans and breadcrumbs using your hands until well blended. This method ensures even distribution of flavors.
Shaping
When forming patties, divide the mixture evenly, then flatten them. This helps them cook uniformly and achieve a nice sear.
Chilling
Chilling the patties for at least 10 minutes before cooking helps them firm up, making them easier to handle during frying.
Frying
Fry the patties in a non-stick pan over medium heat. This allows for an even cook and golden crust without burning. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent quick browning.
Layering
When assembling the burger, layer the ingredients in a specific order. Begin with the tomato, followed by the burger patty, and finish with the balsamic onions to create a balanced flavor in each bite.
Toasting
Toast the bun halves cut-side down on high heat to achieve a crispy texture that complements the soft patty and fresh toppings.
FAQ
Can I substitute black beans with another type of bean?
Yes, you can use other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans as a substitute, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy yogurt.
Can I add more spices to the patty mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile of the patties.
What is the best way to store leftover patties?
Wrap the uncooked patties tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the kale and rocket salad in advance, but it’s best to mix it with the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Conclusion
This black bean burger recipe not only offers a delightful combination of flavors but also brings a nutritious twist to your meal. The fusion of creamy mozzarella, tangy balsamic onions, and fresh greens creates a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy these burgers with your choice of sides or experiment with various garnishes to make them your own.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add diced avocado and chili flakes for a spicy kick to your burger.
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Serve with sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
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Incorporate diced bell peppers into the burger mixture for added crunch and flavor.
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Substitute wholemeal buns with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
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Top the burgers with sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican flair.
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Pair with a side of quinoa salad for a nutritious boost.
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Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique taste.
