Grill Friendly Black Bean Burgers 16 June 08

As you know, I love the Black Bean Burger recipe from Monty’s Blue Plate Diner In Madison, and I’ve taken the finished product to many BBQ’s to throw on the grill. The only drawback to that recipe is that they must be completely cooked first and usually frozen before they can be put on the grill. These burgers, on the other hand, can be made up and thrown directly on the grill. They hold up perfectly and are excellent topped with some tzatziki and served up with Fresh Grilled Flatbread.

Grill-Friendly Black Bean Burger

1 1/2 cups black beans (15 ounce can) drained
1/4 block extra firm tofu, crumbled
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 T chunky salsa
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Ok…I like things with a little more kick to them, so I add the ingredients below as well. They are all optional, do what you like, experiment.

1-2 T chopped pickled jalapenos
more hot sauce
2 cloves chopped garlic

1. Using a fork, mash the drained beans in a medium bowl
2. Drain the tofu (press between kitchen towels if you’d like) crumble with a fork or your fingers and add to the beans
3. Mix in bread crumbs, salsa, hot sauce, cumin and optional ingredients. Season with salt and pepper if desired
4. Using moistened hands, shape the bean mixture into two 3.5 to 4.5 inch diameter patties (these are big burgers!)
5. Prepare the grill (med-high heat) Brush the grill rack vegetable oil. Grill the burgers until heated through – about 3 minutes on each side.

Fresh Grilled Flatbread 16 June 08

Lately I’ve been learning to use the grill for much more than the traditional burger and chicken fare. It’s really fun for me to push my idea of what is “grillable” …apparently everything is, and you don’t need a bread machine, or even an oven, to make fantastic fresh bread for your dinner. This flatbread is a great addition to Grill Friendly Black Bean Burgers.

Fresh Grilled Flatbread

1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 T. olive oil
1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt

1. Place warm water in a medium bowl and sprinkle yeast on top; stir to dissolve, then set aside for 5 minutes or so until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add olive oil, flour and salt. Mix to combine.
3. Turn the dough out onto a well floured surface, knead 2 minutes until elastic.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel and let sit in a warm place for 30 minutes.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece to approx. 6″ rounds.
6. Lightly brush one side of each of the rounds and place them oiled side down onto the hot grill.
7. Grill for about two minutes (it will start to bubble up a little bit) and then brush the side that’s facing up with olive oil, flip and grill for another two minutes. Serve warm.