¼cupshredded cheddar cheese30g, or cheese of choice, optional
1cuppico de gallo240g, for topping, optional
1mediumavocadosliced, about 150g, for topping
Instructions
Add the drained and rinsed black beans to a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher until mostly broken down but with some chunks remaining — this gives the patties texture.
1 can black beans
Add onion, egg, bread crumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Mix until evenly combined.
½ medium onion, 1 medium egg, 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ½ inch (1.25cm) thick. Let the patties rest for 2-3 minutes before cooking — this helps them hold together in the pan.
Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a non-stick skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
When the oil is shimmering, add the patties. Cook for 3 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Flip carefully with a spatula. Top each patty with shredded cheese if using. Cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are heated through.
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Top with fresh pico de gallo and sliced avocado.
1 cup pico de gallo, 1 medium avocado
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Notes
Storage: Cooked patties keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium-low for 2 minutes per side to restore the crust.Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep for up to 3 months — cook straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes per side.Make-ahead: Formed, uncooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Layer parchment between them to prevent sticking.Substitutions: Use regular bread crumbs, panko, or crushed crackers in place of whole wheat bread crumbs. For egg-free, substitute 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (let it gel for 5 minutes).Pro tip: Let the formed patties rest for 2-3 minutes before placing them in the pan — this helps the bread crumbs absorb moisture and gives you a patty that holds together through the flip.