Black Bean Burgers

I'm sick of hamburgers...grainy dead cow flesh, speckled with pure fat...don't know where the name came from anyway, duh...ham=pork, and I'll bet you the first hamburger was made out of sausage...blech! But on the otherhand, there is the joy of serving up the american favorite on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and all of the other goodies...well, black bean burgers work for me, see if they work for you!


Ingredients

1 can(s) (15 to 19 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoon(s) light mayonnaise
1/4 cup(s) packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon(s) plain dried bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon(s) hot pepper sauce
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup(s) loosely packed sliced lettuce
4 (4-inch diameter) mini whole-wheat pitas, warmed
1/2 cup(s) mild salsa


Directions

1. In large bowl, with potato masher or fork, mash beans with mayonnaise until almost smooth (some lumps of beans should remain). Stir in cilantro, bread crumbs, cumin, and pepper sauce until combined. With lightly floured hands, shape bean mixture into four 3-inch round patties. Spray both sides of each patty lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Heat skillet over medium heat until hot. Add patties, sprayed side up, and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. With pancake turner, turn patties over, and cook 3 minutes longer or until heated through.
3. Arrange lettuce on pitas; top with burgers then salsa.