[Vegan] Black Bean Burgers with Avocado and Quinoa

Hey guys! 

So I've been experimenting a lot with flax seeds lately. Flax seeds are awesome because when combined with water they can be used as a binder to replace eggs in vegan cooking! Flax seeds also have TONS of amazing health benefits. Flax seed contains tons of soluble and insoluble fiber, it is plentiful in omega-3 fatty acids, and also contains lignans. Lignans are a phytoestrogen (plant estrogen) which are known to help prevent cancer!

As some of you may know, I attempted to make flaxseed crackers last night. It was a disaster. I used wax paper to line the pan with and they stuck to the paper and I couldn't get them off! They did taste pretty god though. ;] I'm going to try again this week but with something else to line the pan with instead ;]

Today for lunch I had a craving for black bean burgers. So I decided to give my flax seeds a second chance and I used them as the binder for the burgers instead of eggs and WHOA did that make a difference! It was delicious! The flax seeds combined with the black beans and quinoa and avocado gave off this really awesome texture and mixture of flavors. They created a nice crispy outer crust and warm, soft inside... which is how a black bean burger should be! I didn't have any onions or parsley, otherwise I would have probably thrown those in as well. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

[Vegan] Black Bean Burgers with Avocado and Quinoa
- makes 3 to 4, depending on how large or thick you make them

• 2 Tbsp Flaxseeds
• 2 Tbsp Water
• 1/4 Cup Cooked Quinoa (I used tricolor)
• 3/4 Cup Cooked Black Beans, rinsed and drained (I make my own but you can also use canned)
• 1/2 Avocado, diced
• 1/4 Tsp Minced Garlic
• 1/8 Tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/8 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
• Salt and Pepper 

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, combine flaxseeds and water. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Add to the bowl the quinoa, black beans, and avocado and stir until incorporated. Add spices. 
3. Scoop 1/3 cup of mixture for each patty. Make sure to get them nice and firm so they won't crack and fall apart while cooking! 
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil on pan. Cook patties for 2 minutes on each side. 
5. Serve over mixed greens and top with fresh parsley. 

Hope you guys enjoy!