Vegan Smash Burgers

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Smash Burgers:
● 1 large ripe plantain (yellow with some black spots)
● 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
● 1 small white onion, very finely chopped
● 1 clove garlic, minced
● 1 tablespoon tomato paste
● 1 tablespoons yellow mustard
● 1 tsp ground cumin
● 1 tsp smoked paprika
● 11⁄2 tsp salt and pepper to taste
● 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
● Burger buns of your choice
● Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles
For the Garlic Aioli:
● 1 very ripe banana
● 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
● 1 teaspoon kosher salt
● 1⁄3 cup grapeseed oil

Instructions:

1. Make the aioli:
Add the banana into the bowl of a food processor and process until very
smooth. Use a spoon or silicone spatula to wipe any chunks of banana down
the sides of the bowl. Add the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and mustard
and blend until combined. Drizzle the oil very slowly into the bowl of the food
processor while it’s running, being careful not to add too much at a time or the
aioli could split. Continue to process until all of the oil is incorporated and the
aioli has thickened into a spreadable consistency.
2. Prepare the Plantain:
Peel the plantain and cut it into chunks. Boil the plantain in water for about
10-15 minutes until soft.
Mash the boiled plantain in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3. Mash the Black Beans:
In the same bowl, add the black beans. Mash them roughly with a fork or
potato masher, leaving some texture (you don’t want a smooth paste).
4. Mix the Burger Mixture:
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chopped
cilantro/parsley, salt, and pepper to the plantain and black bean mixture.
Mix everything until well combined. The plantain should act as the binder,
holding everything together.
5. Shape the Patties:

Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty. If
desired, sprinkle the burgers with a little extra salt and pepper.
6. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet and press them down slightly
with a spatula to “smash” them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until crispy
and golden brown on the outside.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Toast your burger buns and add your favorite toppings like garlic aioli, lettuce,
tomato, avocado, or pickles.
Place the black bean smash burger on the bun and serve hot.