Black Bean Burger with Green Chile Mayo with Side Salad

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Green Chile Mayo

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, drained green chiles, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and garlic powder until smooth.
   • Season with a pinch of salt if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This can be made a day ahead.
2. 2

   Prepare the Black Bean Mixture

   • After rinsing and draining the black beans, spread them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat them very dry. Let them air-dry for 10 minutes for the best texture.
   • In a large bowl, add about half of the dried black beans. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until a thick, coarse paste forms.
   • To the bowl, add the remaining whole black beans, panko breadcrumbs, thawed corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten egg, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, 0.75 tsp salt, and black pepper.
   • Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense.
3. 3

   Form and Chill the Patties

   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking.
   • Form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.
   • Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to help them firm up and hold their shape.
4. 4

   Cook the Black Bean Patties

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. The oil should be shimmering before you add the patties.
   • Carefully place the chilled patties in the hot pan, ensuring not to crowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
   • Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until a dark, crisp crust has formed and the patties are heated through. Flip only once to prevent them from breaking.
   • During the last minute of cooking, you can toast the burger buns, cut-side down, in the same pan or in a separate toaster.
5. 5

   Assemble and Serve

   • Spread a generous layer of the prepared green chile mayo on both the top and bottom toasted buns.
   • Place a cooked black bean patty on the bottom bun.
   • Layer with your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion.
   • Cover with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.