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Black Bean Walnut Burgers with Saucy Sweet Onions Recipe

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4.2 from 22 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Black Bean Walnut Burgers with Saucy Sweet Onions offer a hearty, flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers. Made with toasted walnuts, black beans, rolled oats, and aromatic spices, these patties are perfectly seasoned and cooked to a crispy exterior. Accompanied by slowly caramelized sweet onions simmered in bourbon and maple syrup, these burgers deliver a satisfying taste with a touch of sweetness and smokiness. Ideal for a wholesome meal, they are great cooked on the stovetop skillet or grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

Burger Patties

  • 1/2 C (60g) Walnuts (shelled)
  • 1/2 C (50g) Rolled Oats (not quick cook or instant)
  • 2 Tbs Tomato Paste
  • 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce*
  • 1 tsp Adobo Sauce (2 for extra spicy, gluten free if needed)
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic Salt
  • 2 tsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (regular or gluten free; Tamari may be used instead)
  • 1/4 tsp Liquid Smoke (gluten free if needed)
  • 2 1/3 C (420g) Cooked Black Beans (drained & rinsed, divided)
  • 1/2 C (100g) Cooked Short Grain Brown Rice (divided, be sure to use short grain)
  • 1 tsp Vegetable Oil (coconut or olive oil + more for cooking the patties)
  • 1 C (100g) Yellow Onion (diced)

Saucy Sweet Onions

  • 3 (745g) Large Sweet Onions (Walla Walla or Vidalia, sliced into thin 1/2 moons)
  • 3 Tbs Vegetable Oil (coconut or olive oil preferred)
  • 1/3 C (75g) Bourbon* (or substitute vegetable broth)
  • 1 1/2 Tbs Maple Syrup
  • 1 1/2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard

To Serve

  • Mashed Avocado (with a pinch of salt)
  • Pickled Sweet & Spicy Peppers
  • Mayo
  • Pickled Banana Peppers

Instructions

  1. Toast Walnuts and Prepare Base Mixture: In a nonstick pan over medium heat, dry-toast the shelled walnuts for about four minutes, tossing and flipping frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and transfer to a food processor bowl. Add rolled oats, tomato paste, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, sea salt, garlic salt, yellow mustard, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Process until the mixture becomes a mostly smooth paste with a few small chunks remaining.
  2. Add Beans and Rice to Mixture: To the food processor, add half of the cooked black beans and half of the cooked short grain brown rice. Pulse until the ingredients start to come together, scraping down the sides as needed. Set this processed mixture aside.
  3. Cook Onions and Combine Ingredients: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (coconut or olive oil) in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for approximately three minutes until slightly charred but softened. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining black beans and brown rice to this bowl, then add the processed bean and spice mixture. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly, squeezing and pushing to combine into a uniform dough.
  4. Shape Patties: Using a 1/2 cup (130g) scoop for 6 patties or 1/3 cup (82g) scoop for 8 patties, portion the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, then press gently using the back of a metal measuring cup into patties about 1/4″ to 1/2″ (0.6 to 1.2 cm) thick.
  5. Refrigerate or Freeze Patties: Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined sheet pan and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up. For freezing, freeze patties on the parchment-lined pan for one hour, then stack patties separated by parchment paper and store in a freezer bag.
  6. Preheat Oven to Keep Patties Warm: Set the oven to 200°F (95°C), line a sheet pan with parchment paper, and place it in the oven to keep the cooked patties warm later.
  7. Cook Patties – Skillet Method: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add three patties, giving them enough space. Cook each side for 3.5 to 4 minutes, flipping carefully to avoid breaking. After cooking, transfer patties to the warmed oven on the parchment-lined sheet pan. Sprinkle with sea salt. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil as needed.
  8. Cook Patties – Grill Method: Preheat a gas grill on the highest setting and clean and oil the grates with vegetable oil. Brush both sides of the patties with oil and place carefully on the grill grates or grill pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, adjusting heat as necessary to avoid burning. Transfer cooked patties to the preheated oven to keep warm.
  9. Caramelize Sweet Onions: In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil until shimmering. Add the sliced sweet onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat to prevent burning, until onions are golden and very soft.
  10. Add Bourbon Sauce to Onions: Remove pan from heat and stir in bourbon (or vegetable broth), maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Return to medium-low heat and simmer gently for about two minutes to reduce the liquids. Remove from heat and cover with a lid until ready to serve.
  11. Store Cooked Patties: Store cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three weeks. For freezing, freeze patties first on a parchment-lined sheet pan, then stack with parchment sheets between patties in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use short grain brown rice for best texture in the patties; other rice types may alter the consistency.
  • The chipotle pepper and adobo sauce add smoky heat—adjust amounts to suit your spice tolerance or omit for milder flavor.
  • Liquid smoke can be omitted if unavailable but adds a subtle smoky depth.
  • When caramelizing onions, monitor heat closely to avoid burning and ensure they soften perfectly.
  • Bourbon can be substituted with vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • For freezing, freeze patties individually on a tray before stacking to prevent sticking.
  • These patties hold together best after chilling; do not skip the refrigeration step before cooking.
  • Serve with mashed avocado, pickled sweet & spicy peppers, mayo, and pickled banana peppers for a flavorful burger experience.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/black-bean-walnut-burgers-with-saucy-sweet-onions-recipe/