Follow these steps for perfect results
extra virgin olive oil
onions
finely chopped
salt
garlic
minced
chipotle chile in adobo sauce
minced
ground cumin
dried oregano
pinto, kidney, or anasazi beans
drained and rinsed
breadcrumbs
preferably fresh
sourdough or Italian-style white bread
preferably stale
extra virgin olive oil
green bell pepper
seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
scallions
thinly sliced
fresh lime juice
jalapeno chile
stemmed and seeded
cilantro leaves
salt
Heat 1 Tbs. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and salt, and cook, stirring often, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until softened.
Add garlic, chipotle chile, cumin, and oregano; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.
Add a third of the beans and 1/3 cup of water (or bean cooking liquid), and using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans.
When the liquid is absorbed, add another third of the beans and 1/3 cup of liquid, and mash until the mixture is chunky.
Stir in the last third of the beans, and mash lightly.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick and mostly dry.
Transfer the beans to a mixing bowl to cool for about 15 minutes.
Stir in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs.
Taste, and add more salt if needed.
Spread the remaining breadcrumbs on a plate.
Using a spoon, drop the bean mixture by one-sixths into the breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle the tops with breadcrumbs, and form into 6 patties of equal size.
Place the patties on a clean plate.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
To cook on a grill: Prepare a charcoal fire or gas grill for medium heat.
Spray the grill rack with cooking spray.
Place the patties on the grill, and cook until golden brown and heated through, about 3 minutes per side.
To cook in a skillet: Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the patties, and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
Serve topped with Cilantro Sauce.
For Cilantro Sauce: Put bread in a small bowl, cover with water and let soak for 5 minutes.
Remove the bread, squeeze out excess water, and set aside.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add bell pepper, and cook, stirring often, for 7 minutes, or until softened.
Add scallions; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.
Put the mixture into a blender or food processor.
Add 1/4 cup of water, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, soaked bread, and salt.
Puree until smooth.
Expert advice for the best results
For a spicier burger, add more chipotle chile.
Add a squeeze of lime juice to the burger mixture for extra flavor.
Serve with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
Everything you need to know before you start
15 minutes
Patties can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Serve the burger on a toasted bun with a generous dollop of cilantro sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs.
Serve with sweet potato fries or a side salad.
Complements the spice.
Crisp and refreshing.
Discover the story behind this recipe
Reflects the fusion of Mexican flavors into American cuisine.
Discover more delicious Mexican-inspired Lunch or Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire
A creamy and flavorful chowder featuring sweet corn, smoky poblano peppers, and a hint of spice from chipotle chiles.
A creamy and flavorful soup featuring roasted poblano peppers and asiago cheese.
Savory and flavorful vegetarian burgers with a hint of spice, made with brown rice, corn, and chipotle.
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring shiitake mushrooms, poblano peppers, and crispy bacon.
A flavorful and comforting turkey soup with a zesty lime and chili kick, inspired by the New York Times recipe.
A quick and easy meatless taco salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
A flavorful and satisfying burrito featuring sweet potato, plantain, black beans, and a spicy barbecue sauce.
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring chicken, garbanzo beans, and a touch of spice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.