½cupmashed sweet potatofrom one medium sweet potato, see note #1
1 and ½cupsblack beans, drained and rinsedequivalent to one 15 ounce can
2teaspoonsextra virgin olive oilplus more for coating sweet potato
1cupdiced white onionfrom one medium onion
½mediumred bell pepperdiced
½teaspoonsaltdivided in half
1smalljalapeñodiced (optional
3clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoonground cumin
½teaspoonchipotle chili powder
1teaspoondry parsley
1largeeggwhisked
1cupplain bread crumbs
5burger buns
lettuce and barbecue saucefor topping
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat whole sweet potato in olive oil (optional). Poke several holes in the sweet potato using a knife. Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until tender, about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the size of your sweet potato.
Remove skin from the sweet potato. Mash the inside until almost pureed. Measure out ½ cup of the mashed sweet potato. Before adding black beans, pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Combine the sweet potato and black beans and mash a little more. You want some whole beans to remain for texture. Set aside.
Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion, diced bell pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt . Sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic and sauté a minute more, until golden and aromatic.
Stir the sautéed ingredients into the sweet potato mixture. Add the seasonings (cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, chipotle chili powder, parsley), whisked egg and bread crumbs. Mix until a loose ball forms.
Form the mixture into patties. I like to make mine about the width of my palm. For best results, make sure the burger is no more than ½ inch thick when cooking. The thinner the patty, the firmer it will be.
Heat a skillet over medium heat (I use the same skillet I sautéed the onions in for extra flavor). Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Once hot, add patties. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned.
Serve on burger buns with for favorite fixings, such as lettuce or kale and barbecue sauce. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Sweet potato: Choose an orange fleshed sweet potato. One large potato usually makes about 1 cup sweet potato mash.
To make gluten-free: Gluten free rolled oats can be finely ground in a food processor and used in place of bread crumbs. You can also do this if you just don't have bread crumbs on hand.
To make vegan: Replace one egg with one flaxseed egg. To make a flaxseed egg, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons warm water. Let rest for 5 minutes before using. This mixture will not be as firm as the egg version but still works well.
How to bake: Line patties on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To freeze: Form into individual patties before freezing. I like to cook my patties before freezing, but you can also freeze uncooked patties. Store in a freezer-safe container between layers of wax paper to prevent sticking. Heat frozen patties in a skillet until fully thawed and cooked through.
Leftovers: For best quality, keep leftovers refrigerated in a closed container for 3-4 days.
Check out my YouTube video for more step-by-step video instructions and tips.