I shared yesterday about my health/weight/etc. and had some requests to share more of the recipes I make, so I thought I would. As I shared, I became a vegetarian last August. I was a vegetarian in high school for a brief period, but to me that meant I ate big bowls of noodles with butter. As a vegetarian now, I focus on eating vegetables (and fruit.) And I eat vegetables, not other foods that companies are trying to make look like meat. I don’t need meat, don’t miss it and I don’t want to eat soy that is pressed into a nugget shape and breaded. I don’t eat tofu, either. Honestly, I haven’t tried it, but white cubes just don’t look yummy to me. So, I eat familiar, healthy foods and get creative with them. I prefer to make my own veggie burgers, so I know exactly what’s in them, and black beans are my base protein of choice.
Every time I make black bean burgers, they are different. I just throw a bunch of stuff into a food processor and let it go. Last night this was the mixture I came up with…
- 1 can organic black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 small sweet onion
- 2 med zucchini
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 slice natural whole wheat bread (this is a good way to use the heels)
- 1 egg
- salt & pepper
Pulse everything in the food processor until it’s blended. Put it in the refrigerator to firm it up (it will be a little loose.) This mixture can’t be put on the grill, but can be baked or cooked in a pan in a little bit of olive oil. I ate this last night as a burger on half of a chiabatta bun, topped with avocado (smashed with lemon juice & salt), a few slices of cheddar cheese and baby romaine lettuce. It was paired with sweet potato fries and grilled zucchini and asparagus.
I ate the leftovers tonight as “meatloaf” with roasted garlic & dill red potatoes and steamed broccoli.
When I made the burger above, I threw in some leftover veggies I had cooked up for quesadillas…red, yellow & orange peppers, onions, corn, etc. You really can throw a bunch of stuff in and see how it turns out. I also make this black bean puree without the egg, nuts and bread to spread inside quesadillas.
Even if you’re not a vegetarian, it’s a very yummy, quick thing to make that’s healthy and a nice way to sneak some veggies in when feeding your family (you don’t taste the zucchini at all.)
I seem to be coming down with a cold, but I pushed through my leg and back workout anyway. I felt great that I did it and didn’t make excuses.
Looks so yummy! I am going to have to try them 🙂 Happy Easter!
I have had a black bean burgers and do like them..Thank you for the recipe..
I’m in the same exact boat. I’m disliking my self more and more daily. I work as a Registered nurse 5 days a week, hard to find time. I have 2 boys and I have a passion for redoing furniture. I hope you keep updates on your blog on a more regular basis. I’m hoping for inspiration.
So glad you shared this recipe can’t wait to try these I love black beans and I have been wanting to try these have a great Easter thanks again
I will be trying this for sure (I LOVED your cauliflower soup). I’m with you on the processed “health” foods. I’ve never met a veggie burger from the grocery store that I have liked. Thanks for the recipe.
xo,
Lisa
If you cut tofu or tempeh into squares and sauté with your veggies it’s delicious. Give it a try. I love the tempeh most.
Thanks for the recipe. I am interested in the veggie wrap you mentioned. Thanks again.
Sorry about the cold but “working through it” sometimes does the trick for me to get back to my life and not give in to that yucky down time. Good for you. Will definitely try the burgers, look yummy!
I have been a vegetarian for about 5 years. I also don’t eat any dairy. I think that has made the biggest difference for me. My problem now is with sugar. It has to go, it’s truly an addiction. I can’t wait to try your black bean burger recipe.
I have kicked almost all processed sugar from my diet, but I still eat dairy. I just watch my portion sizes.
I need to go back and read your post about health and weight…I am trying to lose weight too and found that if I whirl up veggies in a blender with ice, they seem to become a treat and not a chore to eat. I only have meat about once a week now in the effort to lose weight and I have not missed it either. These recipes with black beans look really good. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas.
That really looks delicious and I’m going to have to try it – never have made my own but why not? There is a wonderful recipe on the cooking channel from the show Good Housekeeping Lose 5 pounds for vegetarian mac and cheese. It has loads of veggies in it (cauliflower, carrots, etc.) but you can’t tell so it’s great to make for picky kids. And it makes a ton very inexpensively.
Can you please share site or recipe?
Good for you and your new choices……..Us skinny gals eat like this..Lots of veggies…..Plus, h2o….Iced tea with lemon……..
So sorry to hear your’e feeling sick. Give oregano oil a try. It has anti-biotic qualities. You may: drink two drops in water or juice, use a base oil jojoba or olive, and rub it topically on your skin, or use a drop with your toothpaste and brush.
You will start feeling better soon!
Blessings,
M
Yummy!! I have been eating gluten free for about a year and a half now, and I so agree about the prepared foods. They are expensive and not that great. I could put this on a bed of brown rice or quinoa, I will be making! Thank you for being so open & encouraging 🙂
xo, Tanya
twelveOeight
If you are ever in Columbus, Ohio you must try the veggie burger at Northstar. It is amazing.
I also recently tried oil of oregano( any Heath food shop )
This was recommended by many people.
I took several drops under the tongue three-four times a day. Have a great big glass of water at your finger tips you are going to need it. ( it is a bit strong )
Your cold will be gone very quickly. In a day or so.
I also will take Echinacea as well. I only take this when I have a cold.
This stops it in its track.
Hope you try these.
And please take care. Your body is telling you to slow down a bit.
I guess you got another mother added to your list.
Be well.
Xxxx
Marsha
Thanks so much for the recipe, sounds great and I can’t wait to try! I’ve always been a little scared of bean burgers, they never really sounded appealing, but these look like something I’d enjoy. Take care of yourself and have a joyous Easter…He is risen!
Thanks for the recipe!
Do you have any recipes that your kids like as well? I find it especially hard finding vegetarian meals that we will all like – that aren’t noodles and butter like you said (which they do like). Just today I was trying to think through “what will be our meals this week?” It is always a struggle, especially with younger kids who are picky.
Yeah, that is tough. I have one super picky eater and one who will eat just about anything (or at least try it.) I am taking the approach that I don’t make a big deal out of it. I feed them the healthiest thing that they like and I know they won’t be eating only bananas, applesauce, yogurt, etc. when they are older. With them, I focus more on staying away from the junk.
One thing that we all like is pizza. I use Naan bread for crusts, all-natural vegetable spaghetti sauce that I puree (instead of canned pizza sauce). I add basil and veggies to ours, but go light on the cheese. The boys like just cheese, but it’s a lot healthier than ordering pizza and it’s quick to make.
OMG!!
Don’t worry…we’ll get some meat for you when you visit! 🙂
thanks for the recipe. I really hope you post more recipes. I am trying to lose weight. a middle aged woman.
Love the recipe and congrats on your new eating plan. I began a plant based diet a year ago. I have lost 64 pounds and have gone from a size 16 to a size 6…I am 5’9″. I use no added fat…I saute in stock or broth. No sugar and I have a greens smoothie for dinner….lunch is my main meal and I treadmill and lift weights 4 times a week…..so happy the weather is warming up so we can bike and hike….I will be 63 this year and feel and look better than I have for many years…….you go girl….you can lose the weight and be an inspiration for all your cyberspace friends.
Feel better soon . . . Happy Easter!
MMS and Catt,
Thank you for the recipe MMS, as a mom of 7 children, a 80 yr. old mom who lives w/ us and has health issues….I am beginning to look for ways to cut back on the meat (make out budget work instead of always being over) and eat healthier. This is a good beginnning.
Catt, Could you please share with me more information, maybe recipes. I am almost 50 and the same size and height as you. I know i need to begin working out but taking care of a sick husband, mother who needs assistance and 4 children, I haven’t found time to work out. BUT, my resolution for 2013 is to take little steps to taking care of myself. Any thing you can share would be a help.
Blessings for sharing you experiences.
Deb CLaytor
OLdFangled
I am proud of you! But you ate a stronger girl than I P90X scares me, I run fast in the opposite direction when those DVDs come out!!!!
I eat mostly vegetarian & this black bean burger looks delicious. I’m going to be trying this – thanks for posting!
Hey Marian – Please know that your cyber buddies will support you not only in “painting” but “panting” to reach your goal. I have had issues with weight all my life so I can really relate to your concerns. I will follow your journey with interest and encouragement . One thing that I love that you did was to make small changes over time. I think I can do that !
Thanks once more for encouraging us to be better by your example!
J in Jasper
Those black bean burgers seem very yummy. I am definitely going to make them. I have made a similar version but these have more veggies. I am with you on avoiding soy. It is not good for you as it mimics estrogen and who can be sure of the damage. Soy is in a lot of products esp. pretein bars and other weight loss and vegetarian products. You must read labels carefully.
I use the South Beach Diet. The first one out has a green cover. Read the part before the daily plan. It tells why you should avoid certain foods (potatoes, corn, carrots & beets – high in sugar and starch) and foods you should eat a lot of. Only diet that I lost weight (particular around my waist) and didn’t starve. Lots of veggies. Good recipes. Three phases to get you started. Check it out. It works1
A good recipe..our daughter got us started on the veggie burgers also….Our niece and husband have a vegan rest. in Mphs, Tn area…also very good food, and as a blood type A, we really are suppose to eat veggies as a main stay..thanks for all the info..
This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I bet this tastes so much better than the bean burgers in the frozen section and it doesn’t have all the additives either.
Can’t wait to to try this recipe out. It looks and sounds great. Plus, It’s a healthy take on “burgers”. Thanks for sharing!
Go you! Looks yummy! You’ve got my ears pricked up. im a passionate healthy foodie 🙂 Funny, I’ve been thinking about vegetarianism all day. I used to be vegan. I was very thin at that time. I ate heeeeaps of veggies and lentils. I now eat a bible based meat inclusive diet (no unclean meats of cover fat), slightly bigger but healthy weight (55kg 169cm tall) I
Eat very much like the organic momma on facebook and in the blogosphere 😉 I think that eating veggo can be very healthy when you don’t eat refined modern foods, but on the other had, long term I think there are some things that you just can’t get, like gelatin for collagen production in your skin. Making bone broths which can be put in anything helps with this and it’s jam packed with protein, minerals for healthy bones and teeth and surprisingly, antioxidants! It is also cheap. When I was vegan I also didn’t know about phytates in legumes, seeds and grains and had a lot of abdominal issues I put down to too much fibre at the time, I really suggest learning about soaking them if this is an issue for you, I also love fermented veggies and dairy kefir now for probiotics and enzymes and I LOVE sprouted “Essene” bread. It is easy to snack on too many carbs when you don’t eat meat, like dried fruit. This can mess with your hormones and make you gain weight or have teeth probs. but I think a vegetable centred diet is tops. Also, if you try soy, go for fermented soy like tempeh, I really like it cut thin and soaked in tamari and then fried with a sprinkle of five spice powder.
look forward to trying these
On January 19th, I made a life style change to eat more whole foods and all organic as much as possible. I stopped eating red meat, pork, sugar, processed foods, wheat and white flours. I eat plenty of fruits, veggies, eggs, nuts, oats, legumes, honey, chicken fish and seafood. I do eat goat cheese and put coconut milk in my organic coffee. I eat all the time and don’t count calories at all. I have lost 27 lbs since January. Amazing, I don’t crave junk any more.
I commend you on making healthy choices. I will never go back to unhealthy eating habits again. I don’t miss the junk at all and so filled with energy.
A friend to me about the UP bracelet by Jawbone and it helps me to keep moving and get 10,000 steps in a day and burn those calories. A fun little gadget to help you track exercising, sleep patterns and food you eat. I love it!
Good luck to you!
I think the veggie burger may be my new favorite meal!!! I’ve always liked the idea, but when I look at the frozen ones, the ingredients are long and yucky sounding. My son, 20, loved them too! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe, my life will never be the same!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this! My toddler daughter and I eat the Amy’s veggie burgers but I can’t talk my husband into trying them, but I think he might be willing to try this since it’s bean based. I’ll definitely be making them.
this is our dinner tonight! Just put it all in the processor-per your recipe–and it’s chilling in the refrigerator now. assuming you form the patties after setting in the ‘frige. do your boys eat this? hoping our kiddos like it! have you ever tried black bean hummus? found a great recipe thru keeperofthehome’s blog. it costs less than 3$ and makes approx 3 cups- super yummy-great spread on veggie wrap sandwiches-or w/ carrots/cucumber. thanks for your recipe!
Since the mixture isn’t a firm as ground beef, I spoon “patties” into the pan and flip them gently. One of my kids likes them, but the other is super picky and will hardly look at it, but he doesn’t like regular burgers, either. I’ll have to try the black bean hummus!
Marion, I’m on my second MMS paint project and it still does not flake and do all that luscious stuff if is suppose to do. The only thing I think that I’m doing different is using a chip brush, how important is the brush in this process.