Black Bean Burgers

Tonight I made black bean burgers. Rule #1 - NEVER, EVER, EVER think that these "burgers" or any other vegi burger are a substitute for a big, juicy hamburger. The only substitute for a big, juicy hamburger is a big, juicy cheeseburger. Rule #2 - Judge these "burgers" on their own merit.
These black bean burgers are not only yummy and easy to make but are loaded with nutrients. One burger has about 14 grams of protein and about the same amount of fiber ( beans, beans....) and while they have about 300 calories they are all good calories.
I use a recipe that I got from the food network. They are pretty spicy on their own and if you add the sauce that the recipe calls for they are VERY spicy. I prefer to skip the sauce and use mayo instead but that's just a personal preference.
Here's where you can find the recipe - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo-jr/deluxe-black-bean-burger-recipe/index.html
So, the recipe calls for cilantro in both the burgers and the sauce. I never can find fresh cilantro in the grocery store so I use this instead.

You use it just like you would use fresh chopped cilantro. By the way, this is good in black beans and rice too. The burger mix is sticky ( they don't stick to your hands so much if your hands are damp) and a little difficult to get into the pan but once you start frying them and they get a little bit of a crust they are very easy. The recipe also calls for roasted red pepper to put on the burger once it's cooked. Where do you find those in the grocery store? FYI at Publix they are in the condiment aisle. And yes, now I have them in my fridge. I am slowly but surely accumulating an interesting array of ingredients in my fridge and pantry (smoked paprika and szechuan sauce are a couple of examples of those interesting items).
I also made oven "fried" sweet potatoes. These are easy. Slice sweet potatoes very thin, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and pop them in a 375 degree oven until they are tender. I turn the broiler on when they are done to get them a little bit crispy. I haven't figured out a way to get them really crispy without actually frying them. (By the way, burning sweet potatoes smell like roasted marshmallows). They definitely cooled down the hot of the black bean burgers.
And here is it is.

Doesn't that look yummy? Another delicious meal without meat.