Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 cups (280g) cooked quinoa, cooled
  • 0.5 cup (60g) onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves (9g) garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (14g) ground flaxseed meal
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) water
  • 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp (3g) sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 4 slices (120g) avocado
  • 2 leaves (10g) fresh romaine lettuce
  • 4 slices (40g) red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Place the rinsed black beans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until skins shrivel to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the dry-roasted beans, cooked quinoa, diced onion, and minced garlic until coarsely combined; avoid over-processing into a puree.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the flaxseed meal mixed with water (flax egg), cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the dough is tacky.
  4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, roll into balls, and press into 1-inch thick patties.
  5. Place patties on a baking sheet and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the flax bind to activate.
  6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  7. Sear patties for 4–5 minutes per side until the edges are deep mahogany-brown and they release easily from the pan.
  8. Serve patties topped with avocado slices, romaine lettuce, and red onion.