Hearty Black Bean Burgers with Avocado

Prepare the Bean Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Spread the rinsed and drained black beans in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake for 10 minutes until they are slightly dried out (this prevents mushy burgers).
2. Transfer the warm beans to a large bowl. Mash them with a fork or potato masher, leaving about a third of the beans mostly whole for texture.

Shape the Patties

3. Add the chopped red onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans. Stir the mixture thoroughly until well combined.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into firm patties, roughly the size of your burger buns. If the mixture feels too wet, fold in an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs.

Cook the Patties

5. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the patties to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. They should develop a deep, golden-brown crust and be heated all the way through.

Assemble and Serve

7. While the patties cook, slice and lightly toast your burger buns.
8. Build each burger by placing a black bean patty on the bottom bun. Layer on a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, and a generous amount of fresh sliced avocado. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.