Blackened Black Bean Burgers with Steak Fries

Meatless Monday calls for good eatin'! Tonight we had Blackened Black Bean Burgers with Steak Fries. This recipe is so good I can't wait to share it with y'all. Steak Fries are a new favorite in our home, it's a real treat plus they are oil-free so I don't feel so bad whipping up a big batch. Tonight we did it up. We had homemade tomato soup leftover from last night. I reheated it and when I came back from setting it down my soul mate left me a message! It's the small things in life that make my heart SWOON!

We only had enough soup to dab our fries in and get a couple spoonfuls. I thought I'd "beef" up our meal with Blackened Black Bean Burgers and Steak Fries. It was one hell of a meal that left us both with a nice full belly and a ton of satisfaction.

This meal is SO good I highly recommend making it for you or your loved ones. Plus it is HEALTHY! No guilt here folks.

I've been enjoying oil-free fries for a while now but never had the "perfect" fry. It turns out I was missing a secret step! This was revealed to me on Instagram. I LOVE Instagram if you aren't following please swing by, I post pictures and sometimes recipes when I'm not blogging. I love connecting with a broad community of like minded healthy foodies! It's really fun and I learn awesome tips and tricks. One trick I was introduced to me by one of my favorite talented girlfriends Nika @thefitfruitbat! She revealed the secret - curry powder! You slice and BOIL the potatoes with 2 tbsp of curry powder until they are half-way done and then you proceed to bake. It doesn't impact the flavor yet brings forth crispy oil-free fries that are to die for.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 2 cups pre-cooked black beans, rinsed and drained, divided
• 2 tablespoons cilantro
• 2 teaspoons parsley
• 1 tbsp chia seed - ground
• 4 tbsp warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dessicated coconut (or bread crumbs of preference)
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine ground chia seed and warm water, mix and set aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse onion and garlic until finely chopped. Add 1 cup black beans, cilantro, parsley, chia seed mixture, and red pepper flakes and pulse to combine.
3. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl, add the remaining can of black beans and the bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and mix until well combined.
4. Divide remaining mixture into 6 portions and form into patties. Place on hot greased skillet or grill over medium to medium-low heat and cook about 8 minutes a side, until heated through and blackened. Serve with a bun, on a salad, with fresh veggies on top or any way you please!

Steak Fries:

• 2-3 white potatoes
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut the potatoes into wedges by cutting the potato in half and cutting each half into wedge shapes.
2. Place potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Add 2 tbsp of curry powder and a dash of salt.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees while the potatoes are boiling. Boil until the potatoes are half way done.
4. Drain and season to taste. Place half cooked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20+ minutes on each side until golden and crisp on the outside. These are AMAZING and help me make smarter choices. Today I opted not to get our favorite jalapeno chips and made these instead! Worth it! 

Elizabeth writes "I love your burger and fries and the idea from Ig on the fries is something I never heard before. The colors and designs in your food are amazing as always!"

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And for dessert Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte's!

This recipe is SO good and helps stave off cravings for a cappuccinos and lattes! The recipe is from the glorious Kathy Patalsky of Healthy.Happy.Life. I love her blog and recipes. I modified the recipe to use a dark batch of coffee vs. espresso due to what we have on hand and stevia vs. maple syrup for a sugar-free latte!!! Oh yeah! Watch how to make it by clicking HERE.

I love finding delicious alternatives to some of my unhealthy habits. May you enjoy endless healthy and delicious meals and continue to thrive!
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Best wishes for a vibrant week ~ Shine on!
Christa

For the burgers I modified and veganized a recipe from Sandra Lee on Food Network.