By Dr.Sirisha Potluri:
Makes 9 burgers (1/3 cup each)
🥕 Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes, steamed and mashed 1 can (15 oz) organic black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup cooked forbidden black rice (or any day-old whole grain like quinoa, brown rice, or farro) 1 cup frozen kale (or fresh spinach, chopped) 1/2 cup riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen) 1/4 cup minced onion (red onion for extra color!) 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp chipotle seasoning (adjust to taste)
🥄 Optional Add-Ins for Flavor or Texture:
1–2 tbsp ground flaxseed or oat flour (if mixture feels too wet) 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds umami flavor) Chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onion for extra freshness A splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness
👩🍳 Directions:
Steam & Mash: Steam the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash in a large bowl. Combine: Add black beans and lightly mash a few of them for binding. Mix in cooked rice, kale, cauliflower, minced onion, and spices. Form Patties: Scoop 1/3 cup per patty. Shape into burgers and lay them on parchment paper. Pan-Fry or Bake: Pan-Fry: Lightly nonstick pan on medium heat, cook 3–4 mins per side until golden. Bake: 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins, flipping halfway through. Store: Cool fully. Refrigerate 4 burgers for the week, freeze the rest with parchment between them.
🍽 Serving Ideas:
On a whole grain bun with avocado, tomato, and lettuce Over a salad with tahini-lemon dressing Wrapped in collard greens or lettuce wraps Crumbled into a grain bowl or taco.
Swap Option
Sweet potato-Pumpkin, butternut squash, or carrots
Black beans-Pinto, kidney, or lentils
Black rice-Quinoa, millet, farro, or barley
Kale-Spinach, chard, or beet greens
Riced cauliflower-Riced broccoli, shredded zucchini (drained), or chopped mushrooms
Onion-Shallots, green onions, or leeks
Garlic powder-Fresh garlic (1–2 cloves), granulated garlic
Chipotle seasoning-Chili flakes + cumin + smoked
Notes:
These burgers are oil-free, gluten-free, and full of fiber, color, and flavor. Double the batch and freeze for meal prep success. Want extra crisp? Bake then air-fry for 5 mins before serving.
