Sweet Potato Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Looking for a delicious way to add more plants to your plate? These Sweet Potato Black Bean Veggie Burgers are packed with hearty black beans, nutrient-rich kale, creamy sweet potato, and plenty of flavor. They come together easily and are perfect for a simple lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Top them with avocado for an extra boost of flavor and texture if you like, and you’ve got yourself a wholesome delicious meal!

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Veggie Burgers:

Sweet Potato– Sweet potato gives these patties their naturally sweet flavor and soft, creamy texture while helping bind everything together. Cut the potato into evenly sized cubes so they steam at the same rate, and make sure it’s tender enough to mash easily.

Black Beans– Black beans add a hearty texture and are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making these patties extra satisfying. Be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the food processor.

Kale– Finely chopped kale adds a pop of color along with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Removing any tough stems and chopping the leaves finely helps them blend seamlessly into the patties.

Quick Oats– Oats help give the patties structure and soak up some of the moisture from the sweet potato and beans. Quick oats work especially well here because they break down just enough when pulsed in the food processor.

Green Onion/Chives– Green onion (or chives) bring a fresh, mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Use both the white and green parts for a little extra flavor.

Garlic– A little fresh garlic goes a long way in these patties, adding savory depth and bringing all of the other flavors together. Freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor.

Cumin– Earthy, warm, and slightly smoky, cumin adds a delicious savory quality to the sweet potato and black beans. Two teaspoons give these patties plenty of flavor without needing a long list of spices.

Sea Salt– Salt helps bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potato while balancing the earthy flavors of the beans, kale, and cumin. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste if needed.

Avocado– Creamy avocado makes the perfect finishing touch for these patties. Its rich texture pairs beautifully with the crisp edges and hearty center of the patties. Dice it or mash it on top for an easy, creamy addition.

Ingredients:

• 1 Sweet Potato (medium, peeled and cut into cubes)
• 1 1/2 cups Black Beans (cooked, rinsed)
• 1 cup Kale Leaves (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup Quick Oats
• 1 stalk Green Onion (chopped)
• 1 Garlic (clove, minced)
• 2 tsps Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 Avocado (optional, diced or mashed)

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the cubed sweet potato in a steamer basket over the boiling water and cover for about 10 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and mash the potatoes. Leave to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (176ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a food processor, add the black beans, kale, oats, green onion, garlic, cumin and sea salt. Pulse 6 or 7 times or until a coarse crumb forms. Do not over mix.
4. Add the bean and oat mixture into the mashed sweet potato and mix until combined. Scoop out roughly 1/4 cup of the mixture at a time and form into thin patties. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through.
6. Divide between plates and top with avocado, if using. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days.
• Serving Size- One serving is one patty.
• More Flavor- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Serve it With- On top of a salad, in a pita or wrap or as a burger with your favorite toppings.
• Sweet Potato- One medium sweet potato is approximately 2 cups cubed. Freeze any leftovers when using larger sweet potatoes.

Health Insights:

• Dietary Fiber- This recipe is rich in dietary fiber, which comes from ingredients like sweet potato, black beans, and oats. Dietary fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Vitamins and Minerals- The ingredients in this recipe provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes and kale are high in Vitamin A, which supports eye health. Black beans and oats are good sources of iron, which is essential for blood health. Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats and is a good source of Vitamin K, which is important for bone health.
• Heart Health- The recipe includes heart-healthy ingredients such as black beans, oats, and avocado. These ingredients are known to lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and provide essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium that support heart health.