Family Recipes: Hide-the-Beans Burgers

Kidney beans really are a superfood. They are packed full of fiber, protein, iron, folate, and even antioxidants. Unfortunately, many kids avoid them like the plague. I know mine do. And while you can tuck them into nachos or burritos, they're often quickly spotted by eagle-eyed children. Why not try hiding them in a burger everyone will enjoy?

Ingredients

• 1½ cups red kidney beans, mashed until smooth
• ½ cup quick oats
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (medium works best)
• 1 cup grated sweet potato (raw)
• ¼ cup coriander, fresh and copped fine
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp oil (choose your favorite for pan frying)
• ¼ cup red onions (optional)
• Barbeque sauce (optional)

Method

1. Take out a large bowl. Add all ingredients except the oil and the optional barbeque sauce and mix by hand. Make sure all ingredients are equally distributed.
2. Form mixture into six equal patties.
3. Heat oil in skillet. Cook patties for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on each side. Feel free to add barbeque sauce as if you were barbequing. In fact, these can also be cooked on the barbeque outside if you like.
4. Place on buns, add ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, or other toppings and serve warm.

This is a versatile recipe, so experiment with different herbs. I like to do basil, oregano, and thyme instead of the herbs listed here, but you might have other favorites. The flavor comes from the herbs, so don't be shy.