“Hungry Guy” Burgers

Hungry Guy Burgers by Laura Theodoreby Laura Theodore
Jazzy Vegetarian

  • 1 can (15 to 16 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2/3 cup plus 2 heaping tablespoons prepared salsa, plus more as needed (see note)
  • 3 slices vegan whole-grain or gluten-free bread, torn into chunks
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2/3 cup gluten-free, old fashioned rolled oats

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with unbleached parchment paper. Put the black beans and salsa in a medium-sized bowl and mash using a potato masher or large fork until well combined. Put the bread chunks and cumin in a blender and process into coarse crumbs. Add the bread crumbs to the black bean mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the rolled oats and mix to combine. If the mixture seems dry, stir in another heaping tablespoon of salsa and mix to combine.

Scoop up a generous 1/2 cup of the black bean mixture and put it on the prepared pan. Form it into a burger, shaping it with clean hands, and then flatten it slightly. Continue in this manner until you have formed a total of 6 burgers (see note). Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the burgers and bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden.

Chef’s Notes:
You may use mild, medium or hot salsa in this recipe.

Once formed, the burgers may be covered and refrigerated for 2 to 6 hours before cooking. Add 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time.

Black Bean Chili Con Carne, Poblano Rajas with Crispy Pork and Shishito Peppers

Pechanga Chili CookoffUmi Sushi & Oyster Bar at Pechanga Casino & Resort
Chef Damian Stanley’s Chili Recipe (makes 6 servings)

Carnitas prepared 1lb (cooked pork shoulder)
Ground beef 1lb
Onions diced ½ yellow onion
Garlic minced fresh 1 tbsp
Bay Leaves 2 ea
Cumin Ground 1 tsp
Chili powder 2 tbsp
Aji Panca Paste (optional) 1 tbsp
Tabasco Sauce (to taste)
Worchestshire Sauce (1 dash)
Stewed tomatoes (3) 14.5 ounce cans​
1 Roasted Poblano pepper cut into strips
Shishito Peppers (no stem)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Green or Red Bell Pepper diced 1 ea
Beans (Ranch Style) Pinto (2) 15 ounce cans
Beans Black Beans (1) 15 ounce can
Chicken Base 2 tsp
Sapporo Beer (1 can)
Vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Water 1 cup

Directions:
Brown the meat in the oil. Add the onions, black pepper, and bay leaves until onions are soft. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer, approx. 45min. Add the beans with liquid last, so that the beans do not overcook. Adjust seasoning, serve hot.