Vegetarian Chili Burgers

 

                    There is a great variety of textures and flavors wrapped up in these chili burgers. To maximize the cilantro's contribution, chop the root and stalks into the mixture as well as the leaves.

Serves 4-6

• ½ cup bulgur wheat
• Salt and pepper
• 10½ oz/300 gr canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 10½ oz/300 gr canned cannellini beans, drained
• 1-2 fresh red jalapino chilies, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 6 scallions, coarsely chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded, peeled, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 oz/115 gr mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
• 1-2 tablespoons corn oil
• 1 large tomato, sliced

1. Cook the bulgur wheat in a pan of lightly salted oiling water for 12 minutes, or until cooked.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Place the beans in a food processor with the chilies, garlic, scallions, pepper, cilantro, and half the cheese.
4. Using the pulse button, chop finely.
5. Add to the cooked bulgur wheat with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix well, then shape into 4-6 equal-size burgers, cover and let chill for 1 hour.
7. Coat the burgers in the flour.
8. Preheat the broiler to medium.
9. Heat a heavy-bottom skillet and add the oil.
10. When hot, add the burgers and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until piping hot.
11. Place 1-2 slices of tomato on top of each burger and sprinkle with the remaining cheese, cooked under the hot broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt.
12. Serve on salad greens with 1-2 tablespoons of warmed refried beans on 4-6 whole-wheat baps.
13. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top, spoon over some sour cream and add the lid.

BON APPÉÉÉÉÉÉTIT