bbq sweet potato and black bean burgers

Here is another recipe that is healthy and cheap!

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive!!!  Canned beans can be found for under $1.00 a can or you can make your own for even less!  These homemade black bean burgers are not only less expensive than beef, but they are much healthier for you too!

While it would be ideal if everyone ate more vegetarian meals, I know a plant based diet isn’t for all.  However, by replacing just one meal a week with a vegetarian option you will decrease your risk of developing diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Also, recent studies found that those who eat a mostly plant-based diet live a longer life!  (You can read more here)  Not only will your body thank you for eating meat-less meals, but so will the planet!  It is estimated that the beef industry is responsible for 1/5 of man-made greenhouse gas emissions.  Slow down this trend by trying out these burgers tonight!

BBQ Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers ~vegan, gluten-free, grain-free~

BBQ Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers

1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1/2 cup flax seed meal

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (preferably a brand that does not use high-fructose corn syrup!)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon olive oil plus more for frying

BBQ sweet potato and black bean burgers ~vegan, gluten free, grain free~

~Fill a medium pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.  Add sweet potatoes and cook until tender, drain and let cool.

-In a small skillet, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and place over medium-low heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent.  Remove from heat and let cool.

-In a food processor, add black beans and cooled sweet potatoes, pulse a few times until “mashed” but not pureed.  Remove from food processor and place in a large bowl.

-Add onion/garlic mixture, flax meal, bbq sauce and salt.  Mix until well combined.

-Using your hands, form into burgers.  (using about 1/4 – 1/3 of mixture for each burger)

-In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.  Place burger in skillet and let cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or crispy and warmed through.

~These burgers can be served on a salad or as a sandwich!  Top with avocado, salsa, cheese and/or sprouts, enjoy!~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

not your traditional tater tots

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Remember those little nuggets from your childhood???  I recreated them using only the healthiest ingredients!  I left out the white starchy potatoes and substituted chickpeas and flax meal making for a super nutritious kid approved meal.  Unlike traditional tater tots, these contain a ton of fiber…no constipated kids here!

Also included in this recipe is miso paste and nutritional yeast.  If you are unfamiliar with these ingredients don’t be scared off of trying this recipe!  Both items can be found at a health food store and are easy to work with!  I talk a little about the benefits of miso here :)

 Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast, not to be mistaken with brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast.  It is a great vegan/vegetarian source of vitamin B12 and protein.  In just 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast there is 9 grams of protein, that’s more protein than in one egg!  It also contains fiber making for a happy digestive system!  Nutritional yeast has a mild cheesy flavor.  It is great dusted over popcorn or added into salad dressings.  Give it a whirl!

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Not Your Traditional Tater Tots

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

1/4 cup onion (minced)

3 tablespoons flax meal

1 tablespoon miso paste

2 tablespoons flour (I used GF flour)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for frying)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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-In a food processor, blend chickpeas until a paste is formed.

-Add in remaining ingredients (except quinoa) and blend until well mixed.

-Remove “dough” from the food processor and add to a bowl with cooked quinoa, mix well.

-Spoon out a handful of dough and roll into a “log” shape and slice into 1 inch pieces.

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-In a heavy frying pan or skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium low heat.

-Add pieces of “tater tots” to the skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until crispy.

-Serve hot with organic ketchup and enjoy!

tatertots

~Note: I fried mine in two batches.  I added 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet between batches.~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com