Black Bean Quinoa Patties Meatless #22

For a while now we have been trying to completely eliminate red meat from our meals.  *For several reasons*  It's not that we don't like the taste but it is high in fat and can be expensive.  More importantly, commercially-raise beef takes quite a bit of resources (chemicals, water, feed) to produce a single "cut."  Not to mention the inhumane treatment of commercially-raised meat.

I keep referring to "commercially-raised.'  Those who raise their own to feed their families or like South Pork  Ranch are in a completely different category.

Black beans and quinoa are both low in fat and high in protein.  Together they create a complete protein and add plenty of fiber for a healthy, well-rounded meal.  My husband's response, "It taste like a real burger!"  He asked for seconds!

Black Bean Quinoa Patties

adapted from allrecipes.com

Ingredients
1/4 cup quinoa
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced yellow bell peppers 
*I omited*
2 tablespoons minced onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*or 1 clove minced*
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt *I omited*
1 teaspoon hot sauce
*I used 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper instead*
1 egg
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.  

Roughly mash the black beans with a fork leaving some whole black beans in a paste-like mixture. 

Mix the quinoa, bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, hot pepper sauce, and egg into the black beans using your hands.

Form the black bean mixture into 5 patties.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook the patties in the hot oil until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. 

Serve as patties or on a bun like a "burger."

These were so easy to make that I've decided to make a triple batch and freeze for future meals.  They were a HUGE hit!