Pesto Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Slices

I am not even sure what inspired this one but I put some random ideas together and this is what I cam up with. I love eating bean burgers and was trying to make something a little bit different. I love pesto and I figured it would have to taste good in a burger. This is a pretty simple recipe and there will be plenty for leftovers I promise!

Total Time: about 1 hour

Makes 6 burgers

Burger Ingredients

2 15ounce cans black beans

1 yellow onion

4 cloves garlic

1/4 cup pesto (more for topping)

1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs

1/4 cup spinach

fresh parsley (to taste)

6 hamburger buns

thyme

Cayenne pepper

non stick spray oil

Toppings (for 2 burgers)

1 avocado

1 small tomato

6 pieces spinach

8 tablespoons pesto

pepper

Directions

Drain and rinse black beans. Place aside for later. In food processor combine onion, chopped onion, garlic, pesto, spinach, parsley and spices. Once it is finally chopped add bread crumbs and black beans. Mix for about 30 seconds. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you leave it in longer it will be fine. The longer it sits the better it will be. 

Spray a cooking sheet with your non stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 450 degrees. I used a hamburger press but if you do not have one just use your hands and shape into 6 even patties. Place them on the cooking sheet. Place in oven for about 8 minutes. When you can see that the bottom is starting to get a nice sear on it using a spatula flip them over and put back in oven for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.

While the burgers are cooking you will want to get your toppings ready. Slice the avocado in half and remove the pit. Using a knife trace around the outside of each half and then with a spoon remove the inside. Slice into even slices. Cut your tomato into even pieces. Mine was small so I needed more then one piece for each burger. You will also want to spread the pesto evenly onto each half of the bun. Place these in the oven face down for about a minute and a half or until they are golden crispy. Be careful not to burn them. Once the buns are done remove and place on your plate.

Add the burger to the bottom half of the bun. On top add the spinach, tomato and avocado. If you want sprinkle with some fresh pepper. 

***Remember it makes 6 burgers but the toppings are only for 2 burgers. If you do not use all the burgers just freeze them and reheat them in the oven at a later date***