Welcome, foodies! It’s Jamil Hassan behind the keyboard, and today’s recipe is all about fiery flavors and smokin’ summer goodness. It’s time to break out the grill and get your taste buds ready because we’re making my Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger. This vegan burger is packed with exciting chipotle flavors that will leave you wanting more and bragging to your friends about your newfound culinary skills.
Jamil is a travel photographer and food enthusiast originally from Morocco. He has been capturing the essence of different cuisines and cultures around the globe for the past 12 years. When he’s not behind the lens, Jamil can be found exploring new cities or hiking in the mountains.
Jamil Hassan currently resides in Spain and grew up in Morocco.
My roots come from Morocco, where food is all about bold flavors, exotic spices, and grilled delights. Growing up, meat was always a crucial part of our meals, but as I started exploring the world and trying out new cuisines, I discovered the wonders of veggie burgers beyond the token salad and found a new appreciation for plant-based meals. This recipe is relevant to me because it’s a fusion of the bold spices I grew up with and the healthier lifestyle choices I’ve been making in my adult life.
The Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe is inspired by my travels across the US, where I discovered the joy of backyard barbecues and home-made burgers. On one of my trips, I stumbled upon this small, family-owned burger joint in New Mexico that served me one of the best veggie burgers I’ve ever tasted. The secret ingredient? Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce! When I asked the chef about his recipe, he kindly shared a few tips, and I’ve been tweaking it over the years to create my version of this crowd-pleaser. Did you know that chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers? The adobo sauce is made from a mix of vinegar, garlic, tomato sauce, and spices. All of these ingredients come together to add an unbeatable smoky and tangy flavor to the burger patty that will keep you coming back for more.
What you need
Get ready to spice things up with my Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe! This vegan burger is packed with exciting flavors and perfect for any summer cookout. The base for these burgers is mashed black beans, which are mixed with crispy panko bread crumbs, chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro to create a sizzling flavor bomb. I highly recommend using fresh cilantro and chipotle pepper in adobo sauce because they add such unique and bright flavors that take this burger to the next level. The burgers are formed into patties and grilled to perfection, giving them a crispy char on the outside while keeping them moist and flavorful on the inside. To assemble, I suggest you toast your buns, add the patty, your favorite burger toppings, and serve with your dipping sauce of choice. This five-step recipe is easy to follow and yields four delicious burgers that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free-friendly if you use the right bun and substitutions! Trust me; these burgers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients:
- Black Beans – Black beans give this burger its base and added protein. Kidney beans can substitute here for a different texture.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – Acting as the ‘glue’ that holds everything together in the burger, panko bread crumbs also provide a crispy texture to each bite. Regular bread crumbs work as a substitute.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce – This is where the ‘flaming’ part of the recipe comes in! Chipotle peppers add a smokiness and heat that can be toned down or removed depending on preference.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a classic flavor to the burger and contributes to overall heart health. It can be left out for those who don’t enjoy it.
- Ground Cumin – Cumin adds another layer of smokiness to the burger and compliments the spicy chipotle pepper.
- Salt – Salt helps bring out all the flavors in the burger.
- Red Onion – Red onion adds a bit of crunch to the burger and a mild onion flavor. Other types of onions could be used, but red onion is recommended for its color.
- Fresh Cilantro – Cilantro can be a divisive herb, but in a burger like this, it adds a fresh and zesty flavor that’s hard to resist. If you don’t like it, parsley works as a good substitute.
- Hamburger Buns – The canvas on which this delicious concoction will be presented. Regular buns work fine, just make sure they’re hearty enough to hold the weight of the burger.
Utensils:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Potato Masher or Fork – To mash the black beans and combine all ingredients. A fork would work in a pinch if you don’t have a potato masher.
- Grill or Grill Pan – Essential for cooking the burgers to perfection. A regular frying pan can work if you don’t have access to a grill.
- Spatula
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce
I absolutely love adding chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to this burger recipe! These peppers have a unique smokiness that comes from being smoked and dried before being mixed with a tomato and vinegar-based sauce. The smoky heat of the chili is well balanced with the tanginess of the adobo sauce, which helps to mellow down the chipotle’s strong flavor and lend some complexity to the overall taste. It’s interesting how this one ingredient can transform any recipe, not just Mexican ones, and I always keep a few cans in my pantry to add to soups, stews, and sauces. This ingredient is not the healthiest because of its high salt content, but a little goes a long way, and it can add flavor without using too much. It’s popular in many dishes, but some people avoid using it because of its spice level. Don’t fear the heat, though! In this recipe for the Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger, the chipotle peppers are well balanced by the other ingredients, resulting in a delicious heat level that anyone can enjoy.
Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro is another ingredient that I highly recommend for this recipe. It’s a leafy herb with a strong and citrusy flavor that adds a touch of brightness to any recipe it’s added to. Cilantro is a very divisive ingredient because it can taste soapy or unpleasant to some people due to a genetic quirk, but I personally love it and can’t imagine this black bean burger without it! Interestingly, cilantro is one of those herbs that can’t be substituted for anything else because of its unique taste. It’s also got some health benefits like being high in antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory properties, making it not just tasty but good for you too. Fresh cilantro is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it type of ingredient, but I think it works so well in the Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe that even those who usually dislike it might be converted.
What to serve it with?
When it comes to serving my Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger, my personal favorite is to pair it with a side of roasted corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavors of the burger, and the charred bits add a delightful crunch. I like to brush the corn with some lime juice, sprinkle with chili powder, and a pinch of salt before grilling it alongside the burgers. It’s a perfect pairing for a summer day. As someone who grew up eating grilled corn as a street food staple in Morocco, this side dish is dear to my heart and brings back fond memories of family barbecues and lively gatherings.
Summary
It’s been a pleasure sharing my Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe with you all, and I hope you give it a try! Remember to experiment with different toppings and sauces to make it your own. Tell me, what’s your go-to topping for veggie burgers? I’m always looking for new combinations to try. Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation. And if you liked this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Until next time, happy grilling!
Here’s the recipe:
Flaming Chipotle Black Bean Burger: Spicy Veggie Delights for Smokin' Summer Grilling
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- potato masher or fork
- Grill or grill pan
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed Black Beans
- 1/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 whole pepper finely chopped + 1 tbsp adobo sauce Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce
- 2 cloves minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
- 2 tbsp chopped Fresh Cilantro
- 4 buns Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- Mash the black beans - Drain and rinse the black beans in a colander. Pour them into a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until the consistency is mostly smooth with some chunks.
- Add the rest of the ingredients - Add panko bread crumbs, chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro to the mixing bowl with the mashed black beans. Use a spatula to mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. - Take care when chopping the chipotle pepper because it can be quite hot. Wear gloves or wash your hands well afterward to avoid getting any in your eyes or on your skin. To avoid removing the moisture from the mixture, add the ingredients one at a time and mix before adding the next one.
- Form burger patties - Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form them into patties roughly the same size as your buns. Place the patties on a plate, layering them with wax paper or parchment paper until ready to grill.
- Grill the burgers - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Use a brush or paper towel to oil the grates and prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until nicely charred and crispy.
- Assemble the burgers - Toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster oven until lightly crispy. Place the patties on the bottom bun and top with your favorite burger toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese. Add the top bun and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy! - For a vegan burger, make sure to use vegan-friendly buns and toppings. You can also skip the cheese or replace it with a vegan-friendly alternative. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko.
