Spicy Black Bean Burgers (Vegan, Gluten Free)

So it seems that after my post yesterday people are interested in hearing about this veggie burger recipe of mine. And I am more than happy to share it. Now, if you haven't heard about these burgers, which let's be honest you probably haven't, allow me to brag for a moment. This past Friday, after a long day of hiking my favorite guy and I were craving some veggie burgers and sweet potato fries. I didn't want to go to the grocery store yet again so I assured him that I could put something together with what I had at my house. And apparently what I came up with is the best veggie burger ever. Or at least that's what the word on the street is. I have had many taste testers, both veggies and carnivores alike and they've all loved it. These burgers have a nice smoky flavor and are super filling! Who says you can't be vegan and have your burger, too?

But before I get to the recipe, I think I should share some pictures from the hike. You know to help you work up an appetite, put you in the same frame of mind that we were in when we first sank our teeth into this tasty meal. Make sense? No? Yeah, didn't think so. I just really want to share the pictures!

We were half expecting mountain lions to attack us as soon as we walked into this clearing,
fortunately the only animals we saw were deer, a bunny, hummingbirds and an eagle.

What a goof. Trying to lift the boulder.

At first we thought all the dead trees we saw were a result of a landslide. But on closer inspection, they were actually chopped down. Why? Who knows, but there were a TON of them. 

We were not expecting to be so close to Pike's Peak so that was a cool surprise once we reached the reservoir at the top.

Needless to say, after over 7 hours of hiking through the Colorado mountains we were more than ready for food. So on a whim I threw some ingredients into a bowl and here's what came out:

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

• 2 Cans Black Beans
• 1/3 Cup Quinoa Flour
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced
• 1/3 Cup Minced Onion
• 1/4 Cup Minced Carrot
• 1 Jalapeno, minced (include the seeds for spice)
• Handful Fresh Cilantro
• Approximately 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
• Fresh Ground Pepper to Taste
• Sea Salt to Taste and then some (you want them to taste a little too salty before they're cooked)

Makes 4 Burgers.

Rinse and drain black beans, set aside to dry. Chop and mince all your veggies and throw them in a bowl. if you want to be faster or lazy about it, you can just throw it all in a food processor. Once everything is chopped, add your black beans and mash everything together with a potato masher. Once it all starts to stick, add the flour and spices and mash until everything is mixed. Divide the mix into 4 equal parts and then form them into burgers. Add this point you have a few options:

• Bake the burgers. On a greased cookie sheet, aluminum foil or silpat cook the burgers at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes on each side.
• Use a skillet. On medium heat, in a greased skillet, cook the burgers until the underside had turned brown, flip and repeat.
• Partially bake and finish them off in a skillet. Follow the above directions, just cut the cook time in half.
• Partially bake and finish them off on a grill. Follow the same directions you would if finishing in a skillet.

As I said yesterday, I have now made these burgers 4 times in the last 6 days. This gave me some time to experiment. I think the easiest way to cook them is in the oven because you can walk away and forget about them. But taste and texture wise, I think it's best to partially bake and finish them in either a skillet or on the grill to add a little more crispness to the outside. 

Also note that this recipe is flexible, the measurements above by no means have to be exact. Feel free to get creative with the veggies you include. It also tastes great with red pepper, but I'm sure any bell pepper would be great. You could also mix in corn for a more traditional southwestern burger. Let me know what combinations you come up with!

I've also tried this burger with several different topping combinations, but by far my favorite is tomato, avocado and kale. Also, be sure to toast the bun- it's way better! And if you have a gluten sensitivity, use a gluten free bun, which you already knew, or try it wrapped in a corn or rice tortilla! Serve with a side of sweet potato fries 'cause they're awesome!

But most importantly, enjoy them because they will not last long.

What's the best veggie burger you've ever had?

Do you enjoy hiking?

What's your favorite post-hike meal?

Surprises are my Favorite.

Hey guys! I apologize for my absence this week, but I have a good reason.

You see, last Wednesday the guy I sorta kinda REALLY like surprised me and flew up here to visit from Austin! I was at work and I looked up to see him standing there with a sunflower in his hand (Awwww...). And when I got home these were waiting for me.

...Along with red wine, chips, pineapple salsa and all the fixings to make guacamole. This guy knows the way to my heart.

He even thought ahead to call my boss to arrange my schedule so I would have time off while he was here. The weather Thursday was a little bleak so we decided to have a relaxing day of food-making, movie-watching and plant-buying. 

Beginning with some Vegan Blueberry Pancakes. So good!

We also made Lemon Chia Seed Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Banana Bread, and Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding (all vegan). Needless to say, we kinda like food. After all the baked goods we were craving some vegetables so Sam went out and bought us some Chinese food for dinner. 

Friday the weather was perfect so we decided to go for a hike. We headed up to Catamount Falls and Reservoir. This was my first hike since moving to Colorado so I was super psyched! It was a beautiful hike full of ever-changing terrain. I'll be posting more pictures later this week.

After 7+ hours of hiking we were starving. Black bean burgers and sweet potato fries sounded perfect so that's what we made, along with some juicy, fresh watermelon! I wanted to use up the ingredients I had on hand so I made up a burger recipe and apparently it worked! I've made the recipe three times in the last 5 days. People seem to really like them. I'll be posting the recipe soon!

Saturday I had to work in the morning, but after that we headed to Tabor Mountain Bakehouse where we joined others in the March Against Monsanto. Unfortunately, by the time we got there the march had already taken place, but we were able to lend our support and write a few postcards to our senators about our concerns.

*photos courtesy of Sam*

I don't like to get into politics on the blog, but if you have a moment, please take some time to read up on Monsanto and GMOs and get educated on these major issues that have crippling effects on our food supply, land and well-being. If you're already aware of the problem, be vocal! Spread the word! When you can buy local and organic- the earth, your health and future generations will thank you for it.

After walking around downtown and another grocery store run, we made more of the Black Bean Burgers and fries per Sam's request. We watched Promised Land and waited for the release of the new season of Arrested Development (which I fell asleep for, whoops!).

Yes, Sam did eat all three of those burgers.

It was a great, fun, relaxing weekend and best of all I was able to spend time with my best friend who I hadn't seen in far too long. 

*Photo courtesy of Sam*

Can't wait 'til my trip to Austin next month! 

Be sure to check back tomorrow since I'll be sharing some of the recipes from this week's experimenting!

What have all of you been up to?

Have you watched any of the new Arrested Development yet?

Do you like surprises or do you like being prepared?

Fresh Start Green Smoothie (Vegan, Gluten Free, Grain Free)

Do you ever have those days where you think you're being productive, but at the end of the day you realize all you've done is left yourself a trail of half-finished projects and tasks? Well, that has been my week so far. I signed into Blogger this morning to find 3 drafts of blog posts, none of them finished, none of them published. I've only listened to half my classes this week when I had intended to listen to them all on Monday. I haven't even started my Coursera class this week. Only half of my house has been cleaned. Monday three different times I stepped outside to go for a run and every time it started to rain, no joke. Thank God I've showed up to work the past three days and finally got a run in yesterday. And with any luck, this post will actually, well, be posted (though even the photography for this post is half-assed). I've just had major ADD this week. 

In times like these sometimes all you need is to press the reset button and get a fresh start. Perhaps you're not as absent-minded as I am, but you ate too much junk over the weekend. Maybe you want to start your day off on the right foot or maybe you just want to do something good for your body. This smoothie is a great for all of that.

Now I realize for those of you not used to drinking green smoothies, I might as well be asking you to drink the polyjuice potion from Harry Potter, but trust me. This is tasty stuff and your body will thank you for it and if you need to, just add a touch of honey or agave for a little extra sweetness. 

For the most effectiveness, drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning while you prepare this smoothie. To have a cleansing effect drink this smoothie on an empty stomach (besides the water), it'll act like a toothbrush for your insides. It's full of fiber, greens and will jump start your metabolism. Plus, you'll start your day super-hydrated, which is the best way to start any day!

Fresh Start Green Smoothie

• 1 Apple, chopped
• Half a Cucumber, sliced
• 3-4 Sprigs of Parsley
• Juice from half a Lemon
• Inch of Ginger, peeled and chopped
• As much Kale or Spinach as you like (I used about 1 "branch" of kale, just be sure to remove the stems)
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Flax Seed (or you can use Chia Seeds)
• Approximately 1-2 Cups of Coconut Water depending on how many greens you use (for a smoother texture use more liquid)
• Honey or Agave to taste *Optional*

Throw all the ingredients in the blender. I find the greens break down best when closest to the blades, which in most cases means putting them in first. Blend until your smoothie is well, smooth! Drink and enjoy, knowing that your body is thanking you for it.

How's your week going?

Are you a fan of green smoothies?

Am I the only one who can be a total space cadet at times?