The summer weather has finally hit Toronto which means it is time to officially fire up the grill, it is BBQ season! I have been scouring pinterest and my favourite blogs for inspiration on new summer eats and have come across some pretty amazing BBQ recipes that I can’t wait to try.  I came across this fabulous recipe on Julianne Hough’s Blog and it is a keeper! I followed it step by step and it turned out perfect with very little cleanup!

Black Bean Burgers (yields 4 burgers)

• 1 19 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 green bell pepper (I used red)
• 1/2 onion
• 2 tbsp  fresh cilantro (don’t be shy here)
• 3 garlic cloves peeled
• 1 egg (or for my vegan friends sub with flax egg)
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs (or regular)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• toppings of your choice- avocado, tomato, arugula, pickles, etc.
• serve on whole wheat bun or lettuce wrap

Directions:
Preheat the grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until they’re pasty. In a food processor, finely chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro. Then stir into the mashed black beans.

In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, egg, and red pepper flakes. Stir the egg mixture and bread crumbs into the mashed beans, and mix until it is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties and place on the foil.

Grill for about 8 minutes on each side, and they’ll be perfect. Top them off with your favourite toppings served on a whole wheat bun or my preference a lettuce wrap.

My go to toppings include a touch of dijon mustard, sriracha, chipotle mayo, avocado, tomato, arugula and pickles! Aren’t the toppings the best part? I can confidently say, not this time around. 😉

Get Grilling. xx