Clean Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can unsalted black beans, rinsed, drained, and divided
• 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 5 tablespoons uncooked quinoa, rinsed, drained, and divided
• 6 tablespoons water
• 4 ounces cremini mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons seeded minced serrano chile
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• .63 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup chopped peeled ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 small tomatillo, finely chopped
• 4 whole-grain bakery-style hamburger buns, toasted
• 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
• 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices red onion

Directions

• Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
• Step 2. Spread half of beans in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Place toasted beans in a large bowl.
• Step 3. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Add 3 tablespoons quinoa; cook 2 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Add 6 tablespoons water; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Step 4. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons uncooked quinoa, mushrooms, garlic, and remaining (untoasted) beans in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the cooked quinoa mixture, cilantro, serrano, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, chile powder, and egg; pulse until combined. Add mixture to toasted beans; stir well to combine. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions; shape each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
• Step 5. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add patties; cook 10 minutes, gently turning once.
• Step 6. Combine chopped avocado, lime juice, tomatillo, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; mash to desired consistency.
• Step 7. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun. Top each patty with 1 tomato slice, 1 onion slice, and about 2 tablespoons avocado mixture. Top with top halves of buns.