Black Bean Burgers with grilled pineapple and Cilantro-Lime-Chipotle Aioli

For the Burgers:

  • 4 cups cooked, rinsed and drained black beans
  • 1/2 cup Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 scallions, both white and green parts, minced
  • 3 Tbsp (a small handful) chopped cilantro
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2-2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce
  • Flour for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

For the Pineapple:

  • 6 slices fresh pineapple, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

For the Aioli:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Zest and juice of one lime

Place 2 cups of the black beans in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until chunky. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add remaining whole black beans, panko, eggs, scallions, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and chipotle peppers and mix until well combined. Using a dough cutter, portion mixture into patties about 1 inch thick. Suggested diameter: 3 inches; otherwise, the patty will be difficult to flip when cooking. Place patties on a plate or tray and chill for 15 minutes so they can set up. When ready to cook, remove patties from refrigerator and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dredge them in the flour, dusting off any excess flour. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the oil. when it is hot but not smoking, add burgers to the pan. Cook for about four minutes on first side or until well seared and with a flipping spatula, turn onto second side and allow to cook for an additional five minutes, over medium heat. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.  Makes 4-6 burgers.

Heat your grill to high.  On a tray or large plate coat the pineapple slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.  Grill for about 2 minutes on each side or until nice black grill lines are achieved.  Set aside until ready to eat.

Combine all ingredients together in a food processor and blend until smooth.

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