Here are some delicious vegetarian and BBQ-friendly recipes for Lola to enjoy this Fourth of July!

Grilled Black Bean Burgers

These flavorful and hearty black bean burgers are perfect for grilling and a fantastic vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers for any Fourth of July celebration.

Yields: 4 burgers 

Prep time: 20 minutes

Chill time: 30 minutes 

Cook time: 10-12 minutes

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium bowl

• Colander

• Measuring cups

• Measuring spoons

• Knife

• Cutting board

• Fork or potato masher

• Spatula

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Plastic wrap

• Refrigerator

• Grill or grill pan

• Small bowl

Ingredients:

For the Black Bean Burgers:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)

• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (or 1 flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for grilling

For Serving (Optional):

• 4 burger buns

• Lettuce leaves

• Tomato slices

• Pickles

• Your favorite vegetarian condiments (ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce)

Instructions:

Preparing the Black Bean Mixture:

Step 1.) Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly using a colander. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the black beans until mostly smooth, but still with some texture.

Step 2.) Using a knife and cutting board, finely dice the yellow onion and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic clove.

Step 3.) Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium bowl (or small skillet if using stovetop for sautéing). Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring with a spatula, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Let cool slightly.

Step 4.) Add the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg (or flax egg) to the mashed black beans in the large mixing bowl.

Step 5.) Using your hands or a mixing spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Forming and Chilling the Patties:

Step 6.) Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a patty, about 3/4-inch thick. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands slightly.

Step 7.) Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Step 8.) Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the patties for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart on the grill.

Grilling the Burgers:

Step 9.) Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with olive oil.

Step 10.) Carefully place the chilled black bean patties on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula as this can dry them out.

Serving:

Step 11.) Remove the cooked burgers from the grill and serve immediately on burger buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Tips for Success:

• Do not over-mash the black beans; some texture is good for the burger.

• Chilling the patties is crucial for them to hold their shape on the grill.

• If you prefer a crispy patty, you can pan-fry them in a large skillet with a little oil instead of grilling.