1. Roast or Steam the Sweet Potato
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pierce the sweet potato with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 45-50 minutes until soft. Alternatively, steam or microwave until tender.
- Let it cool, then mash in a bowl.
2. Mash the Black Beans
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture for bite.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Add mashed sweet potato, rolled oats, flaxseed, garlic, onion, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and chopped herbs.
- Mix well until a thick, moldable dough forms. If the mixture is too wet, add more oats; if too dry, add a splash of water or lime juice.
4. Shape the Patties
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture and shape into 4-6 burger patties, pressing firmly to hold together.
5. Cook the Burgers
- Pan-Fried: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Baked: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-Fried: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
Serving Suggestions:
✅ Serve on a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and vegan mayo.
✅ Enjoy in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
✅ Pair with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh salad.
✅ Top with vegan cheese, guacamole, or a smoky tahini sauce.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Variants & Add-Ins:
- Extra Protein: Add hemp seeds or chickpea flour.
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in crushed walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Cheesy Flavor: Stir in nutritional yeast.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make these oil-free?
Yes! Bake or air-fry them instead of pan-frying.
Q: What can I use instead of black beans?
You can substitute kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas.
Q: How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture is not too wet or dry—adjust with oats or a splash of liquid if needed. Also, let them rest for 10 minutes before cooking.
These Vibrant Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers are packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, making them a perfect addition to your plant-based meal rotation. Try them today and enjoy a colorful, wholesome burger experience! 🌿🍠🍔
