Very Veggie Burgers

These produce-packed burgers come together quickly and store well, so you can even make an extra batch for later in the week! This recipe comes to us from our friends at Produce for Kids.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cup sweet onions, sliced, divided
• 1 can (16 oz.) black beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 cup red bell pepper, seeded
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 large egg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 3/4 cups whole wheat bread crumbs
• 4 whole wheat buns

Cooking Tip of the Week: Watch butter carefully as you melt it on the stove since it will burn quickly! Use only medium or low heat to prevent burning.

Food for Thought: Does the word caramelize make you think of candy and caramel apples? Caramelize is actually a cooking term for when you cook something until it turns golden brown. Some examples are toasting bread, roasting potatoes and sautéing onions, like in this recipe. Caramelized foods also taste slightly sweeter because of the way heat changes carbohydrates in the food.

Family Dinner Conversation Starter: What are you most looking forward to doing this summer?

Directions

Adult: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Together: Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat; add 1 cup onions and all mushrooms, and cook 30 minutes, or until caramelized.
Kid: Mash beans with fork in mixing bowl.
Together: Finely chop peppers, garlic and remaining 1/2 cup onion in food processor. Mix into mashed beans.
Together: Mix egg, salt, chili sauce and bread crumbs into bean mixture until mixture binds together. Add more crumbs, if needed. Form into 4 patties.
Adult: Bake patties on baking sheet 8 minutes per side, or until firm.
Kid: Assemble buns with cooked patty, onions and mushrooms.