Pinto Burgers & Tzatziki Sauce

 

Pinto Burgers & Tzatziki Sauce

I’m always looking for ways to include different beans into my family’s meals. I could never really figure out how to use pinto beans, though, until one day when I decided to make burgers out of them. I usually skip the buns and serve them with cooked greens -- even healthier, and my kids absolutely LOVE them!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Allergens: Milk, Tree Nuts
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground flax
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided into 1 tablespoon each)
  • 1/2 cup shallots (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/3 cup almonds (toasted)
  • 1 3/4 cups pinto beans (cooked)
  • 2/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (finely chopped, divided)
  • 1 tablespoon whole mustard grain
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 1 avocado (thinly sliced)
  • Capers (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish)
  • Sprouts (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine ground flax and water in small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to form.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in small pan and sauté shallots and garlic until soft (about 5 minutes).
  3. Pulse sautéed shallots/garlic, toasted almonds, beans, bread crumbs, ¼ cup roasted red peppers, and flax mixture in food processor until just combined.
  4. Transfer pulsed mixture into large bowl, then fold in mustard grains, season with salt and pepper, and form ½-inch patties. Chilled patties are firmer and easier to flip, so store in refrigerator for up to 8 hours before next step.

  5. Wipe skillet clean and heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. 

  6. Pan-fry patties on one side for 5 minutes, then flip and fry other side for another 5 minutes. Set aside.

  7. For tzatziki sauce, combine and mix plain Greek yogurt, roasted red peppers, cumin, and Himalayan salt.

  8. Spread sauce on burgers and serve immediately.

Bon appétit!