Black Bean “Nacho” Burgers

Preparation time: 25 mins (plus 30 mins to chill)

Cooking time: 12 mins

Serves: 4

2 cups cooked black beans

1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips(preferably blue corn chips)

1/2 cup salsa, plus extra for serving

1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 scallion (white and green parts), trimmed and finely chopped)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 hamburger buns

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

sour cream, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Use a food processor or potato masher to smash the beans in a large bowl until you have a rough-textured and chunky mixture with a few semi-whole beans left. Stir in the tortilla chips, salsa, cheese egg, scallion, salt, and pepper. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes to allow the chips to absorb some of the liquid, then shape into 4 patties.
Place the patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Plae the buns on a baking sheet and place in the oven until warm to the touch, 4 to 6 minutes. While the buns warm, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Set the burgers in the pan and cook until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes,. Flip the burgers, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook until the other side golden 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and serve the burgers topped with salsa and sour cream (if using) on the warmed buns.