Black Bean Burger and Jicama Salad

This is probably due to the unnaturally warm weather that we've been having lately, but I've just been craving very fresh foods. Summery foods, if you will. I've discovered the best black bean burger recipe EVER and I'm not ashamed to say it. Super easy to make, and you can freeze the extras so that you always have a backup plan if life is to hectic to make a meal at the end of the day :) Also, the salad is so healthy and fresh... not much to it at all, but I just really love it and wanted to remember it.

Black Bean Burger

To Make:

• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• Flax eggs: 2.5 tbsp ground flax + 1/2 cup warm water, mixed in bowl (this makes them vegan!)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1.5 cups bread crumbs (I processed like four pieces of fresh whole wheat bread)*
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and roughly pureed or mashed
• Heaping 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, parsley, or whatever fresh herb you prefer
• 1/3 cup almonds, chopped (toasted if preferred)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, (toasted if preferred)
• 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Tamari (soy sauce)
• 1.5 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp kosher salt)
• whatever other spices suit you! (cayenne, paprika, cinnamon, basil...) 

Put It Together:
1. Preheat oven to 350F (if baking). In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in 1/2 tbsp oil. Mix your flax egg together in a small bowl and set aside for at least 10 mins while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Place all ingredients (except spices and salt) into a large mixing bowl and stir very well. Now, add seasonings and salt to taste.
3. With slightly wet hands, shape dough into patties. Pack dough tightly as this will help it stick together. I made 8 medium patties.
4. Cooking methods: You can fry the burgers in a bit of oil on a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side. If baking in the oven, bake for 25-30 mins (15-17 minutes on each side) at 350F, until golden and crisp. For the BBQ, pre-bake the burgers for about 15 minutes in oven before placing on a pre-heated grill until golden and crisp on each side. Personally, I loved frying them in the skillet :)


Jicama Salad

Just combined some fresh baby spinach, chopped jicama, blueberries, cucumber and apple cider vinegar.

The reasons why this rocks: 
blueberries
   - loaded with antioxidants
apple cider vinegar
   - eliminates toxins at a faster rate, clears blemishes, helps break down fats, and relieves heartburn
   - contains malic acid (antibacterial), calcium, potassium, pectin (regulates blood pressure)
jicama
   - low calorie, high fiber, antioxidants, rich in vitamin C, B-vitamins, and heaps of essential minerals
cucumber
   - it's green. that's good, right?
   - it's high in fiber, the skin has vitamin C, and the pulp is loaded with potassium and magnesium



gosh, I just love food so much.