Third Avenue Cafe’s Black Bean Burger

Includes: Black Beans, Bourbon Barrel Black Pepper, Bourbon Barrel Paprika, Bourbon Barrel Salt, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Weisenberger Mills Whole Wheat Flour

Recipe Provided by: Third Avenue Cafe
The amount of almonds might seem like a lot, but is is needed to give bulk and make the mixture workable. Measure whole nuts first, then grind in a blender.

Ingredients:
2 16-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup oats (oatmeal)
4 cups whole, skin-on almonds, finely ground
1/4 cup granulated garlic
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
4 teaspoons black pepper
4 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes
1 red onion, peeled and diced finely
1 green pepper, seeds removed and diced finely
1 red pepper, seeds removed and diced finely

Directions:
In a blender or food processor, puree the black beans. In a large bowl, mix the pureed beans with all the other ingredients. The texture should be just moist enough to form first into balls, and then flatten into a burger shape.

Shape the mixture into 6-ounce balls, flatten into a plump burger, and fry on both sides in oil until a crisp crust forms and the burger is cooked through.

Makes 8 to 12 burgers, depending on the size you choose.