Black Bean Burgers with Avocado-Lime Mayonnaise

Who knew something so wholesome could taste so good? The South-of-the-Border flavors used in both the bean burgers and avocado lime mayonnaise pair up perfectly.

Recipe Ingredients:

Mayonnaise:
1/2 ripe medium avocado, peeled and pitted
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Burgers:
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 of a (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon light olive oil
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Olive oil cooking spray
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
4 lettuce leaves
4 lime wedges

Cooking Directions:

1. Place mayonnaise ingredients in a blender, secure lid, and purée until smooth.
2. Place beans in a gallon-size resealable bag. Using a meat mallet, pound beans to a coarse texture, resembling lumpy mashed potatoes. Place beans in a medium bowl and add bell pepper, oats, egg whites, light olive oil, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and shape into four patties.
3. Coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add patties and cook 4 minutes on each side or until they begin to lightly brown. The patties will be fragile, so be sure to turn them gently.
4. To assemble, spoon 1 tablespoon avocado lime mayonnaise mixture on each bun half. Top each bottom bun with burger, onion, a tomato slice, and a lettuce leaf. Place bun tops over each. Serve with lime wedges.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 300; Total Fat: 12g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Fiber: 10g; Protein: 19g; Sodium: 785mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of "The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes" from the American Diabetes Association.