Trying to get healthy can be a challenge.  Getting healthy on a budget even harder!  The biggest challenge of all is finding healthy, delicious, satisfying, mouth-watering food!! Well I have a surprise for you, these Black Bean Mushroom Burgers will have you asking, “are you sure there is no meat?”

Getting old really does not bother me that said I still check for new wrinkles and gray hairs.  What I worry about the most, when it comes to aging, is staying healthy.  I want to live a long and happy life, which will not be possible if I don’t start taking care of myself now.  Honestly, I should have been doing it for the last decade.  But! You’re never too late to make a change!

My parents, about 5 years ago, changed their diet completely.  They decided to become Pescatarian, (a nonmeat diet, but you are able to eat fish and seafood).  I love when they come to visit because then I can try out new vegetarian recipes.  My husband is a die heart meat and potato guy and cooking vegetarian for one can be a challenge, so it is nice to have someone to share with.

I love veggie burgers… wait, scratch that I love, well-made, veggie burger.  Sometimes veggie burgers are too dry and flavorless it’s like eating cardboard.  Other times they are firm on the outside but as mushy as mashed potatoes on the inside.  Then there are the times they are just right, just like a hamburger, juicy, full of flavor, slightly dense, meaty, but tender and succulent.

I have made dozens of veggie burgers, and what I can tell you is, to make a good burger it is all about the mixture, a combination of the right veggies, and fillers.  It really is a true science.

My favorite is a mushroom veggie burger because mushrooms really do have a meaty texture, but I could never get it right. Too moist, too dry, too dense, to chunky.  I was starting to think why do I bother?

Then my mom came to visit for Memorial Day weekend and we were grilling out, hamburgers, hot dogs, brats…so why not give it a try…again.

I was getting ready to add the mushrooms to the blender that is when my mom stopped me and said, “You need to get the juices out of the mushrooms first or your burgers will have too much liquid!”

So that is what I have been doing wrong.  Step one place mushrooms in the microwave for 3 minutes to remove juices (If you want a more intense flavor I recommend roasting them in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes). When they come out lay them on a paper towel and allow them to cool and dry.

Now take some black beans, curly leaf parsley,  garlic, red onion, Montreal steak seasoning, salt, and pepper, blend them in the food processor until everything is finely chopped. Now add Worcestershire, olive oil, eggs, and panko bread crumbs and blend until everything is well combined.

Finally to give it texture add the mushrooms, the remaining black beans, the remaining onion and the cheese. Pulse a dozen times just to slightly chop and mix everything together.  Now place the mixture in the fridge for at least 1 hour before making into 1/2 patties.

I cooked mine in a cast iron skillet instead of directly on the grill mainly because I had more control if they stuck.  Cook on each side for 5-6 minutes over medium-low heat.  Serve just like you would a burger, and enjoy!!

Veggie burgers don’t have to be bland and boring, you don’t have to be stuck with a flavorless meatless meal. Enjoy the cookout in a healthy way with these Mushroom Black Bean Burger Patties.

Don’t forget your Italian Cheesy Garlic Steak Fries the perfect side for any burger!

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