Name: Pinto Bean, Beet, and Bulgur Burgers
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: Salt and pepper; 2/3 cup medium-grind bulgur , rinsed; 1 large beet (9 ounces), peeled and shredded; 3/4 cup walnuts; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 garlic cloves , minced; 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans , rinsed; 1 (4-ounce) jar carrot baby food; 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard; 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Why This Recipe Works

For these modern bean burgers, we combined pinto beans with sweet, earthy shredded beets and hearty, chewy bulgur. While the bulgur cooked, we pulsed the rest of the ingredients in a food processor to get just the right consistency. Along with the beets and beans, we added basil for freshness and walnuts for richness and texture. Garlic and mustard deepened the savory flavors. Using carrot baby food (which was already conveniently pureed) as a binder instead of eggs lent the patties a subtle sweetness—and, as an added bonus, it kept the recipe vegan. Panko bread crumbs further bound the mixture and helped the patties to sear up with a nice, crispy crust. Any brand of plain carrot baby food will work here. Use a coarse grater or the shredding disk of a food processor to shred the beets. If using the food processor, you may need to cut the beet into smaller pieces to fit inside the feed tube.

Instructions

Bring 1½ cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to boil in small saucepan. Off heat, stir in bulgur, cover, and let stand until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain bulgur, spread onto rimmed baking sheet, and let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, pulse beet, walnuts, basil, and garlic together in food processor until finely chopped, about 12 pulses, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add beans, carrot baby food, 2 tablespoons water, mustard, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper and pulse until well combined, about 8 pulses.

Transfer mixture to large bowl and stir in panko and cooled bulgur. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and pack into 4-inch-wide patties.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently lay 4 patties in skillet and cook until crispy and well browned on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning gently halfway through cooking and reducing heat if burgers begin to scorch. Transfer burgers to plate and tent with aluminum foil.

Wipe skillet clean with paper towels and repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and remaining patties. Serve.