Smokey Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers (and plantballs)

Nyisha’s Rylander

Ingredients:

• 3 Roadside Sweet Potatoes (skin removed and mashed)
• 3 Cans of Black Beans (or 5 cups homemade)
• 3 Cups of Oatmeal (see TIPS)
• 1 Red Onion diced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Chipotle Powder (or smoked paprika)
• Optional salt and pepper

Directions :

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Place beans in a big bowl and mash a bit, leaving some whole beans.
• Add sweet potatoes, oatmeal and the remaining ingredients.
• Mix well
• Lay out parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
• Take a small snowball sized amount of the mixture and roll in your hand using a little pressure to pack them tight.
• Line up the burger balls on the cookie sheet and once the are all placed use your palm to press them into patties.
• Bake for about 30 minutes flipping halfway through. Check for firmness and bake longer if you want them drier.

These can be cooled then frozen in ziplock bags for future use.

TIPS

• You can also roll this mixture into small balls and bake to use them as "meatballs" for spaghetti, wraps, sandwiches, ect.
• You can put some or all of the oatmeal into a dry blender and turn to flour for a different texture, I usually do a mix of both. You can also sub any flour or grain you like.
• This is a good sized batch. I will make about 6 burgers and use the rest for plantballs.

Stove top option:

• Alternatively you can cook them in a frying pan on the stove top. To do this you may need a little oil.
• Heat the oil (if using) on medium high heat and add in the patties.
• Sear well for about 2 minutes, then add a little more oil and flip to sear on the other side.
• Then turn the heat to medium- medium low and cook for 5 minutes more on each side.