i have to share this recipe.

Before I do another post, or even think about another post--I have to share this black bean burger recipe. Chad and I are always in search of easy, quick meals to make right after going to the gym. And, ever since I read the latest issue of Real Simple when it talked of eating more veggies and being more aware of what you are eating, I have tried to put veggies into every meal that we make together. Chad and I are even going to make meat-free meals a couple times a week.

With our new goal in mind, I had to find some yummy, easy, meat-free meals. Well, Betty delivered (she even has an entire vegetarian section!). I present our Thursday night dinner...

California Black Bean Burgers

(makes 6 sandwiches)

get these ingredients together:

*one can black beans, undrained

*one can chopped green chiles, undrained

*one cup plain dry bread crumbs

*one tsp. chili powder

*one large egg, beaten

*one-fourth cup yellow cornmeal

*two tbsp. vegetable oil

*six toasted hamburger buns

*two tbsp. mayo (we decided to go with sour cream instead. delish!)

*shredded lettuce

*thick-and-chunky salsa

then do these steps:

01. In food processor place beans. Cover and process until slightly mashed; remove from food processor into medium bowl. (I just put the beans in a bowl and masher them with the back of a fork.) Stir chilies, bread crumbs, chili powder, and egg into beans. Shape into 6 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Coat each patty with cornmeal.

02. In skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook patties in oil five to ten minutes, turning once, until crisp and thoroughly cooked on both sides. 

03. Spread bottom halves of buns with mayo (or sour cream). Top with lettuce, patties, salsa, and tops of buns. We also added a couple slices of onions.

We keep the sides light when we eat meals like this. Yesterday we had roasted broccoli with crushed red pepper drizzled with olive oil. And today I had orange slices...orange slices.

Any vegetarian meals that we should try?