BLACK BEAN QUINOA BURGERS (VEGAN + GLUTEN-FREE)

Easy baked black bean quinoa veggie burgers that are vegan & gluten-free, filled with plant protein, and perfect for end-of-the-summer cookouts!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons flax meal + 5 tablespoons water
Coconut or olive oil for cooking
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup packed spinach, chopped
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained, or 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
1/2 cup oat flour (ground-up rolled oats)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Combine flax meal and water in a small bowl; set aside in the fridge.
To cook quinoa, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Rinse quinoa in a small mesh strainer. Once oil is hot, add quinoa to the saucepan and stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add 1 cup water; turn the heat to high. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 13-15 minutes.
*Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped onion; let it cook for a few minutes, stirring often. Add bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the spinach and stir immediately, letting it wilt slightly. Turn the heat off.