Quick Black Bean Burger to the Rescue

I love food, trying out new recipes and cooking. But sometimes, the idea of planning, shopping and cooking for the family can be overwhelming. Especially when this grand plan needs to include who is eating when, and where (like the car, between evening activities). Most nights, someone is on the go. We try to sit down and eat together as often as possible, but it just is not always possible.

This week I was feeling uninspired about what to make so I did what so many do, and I took my problem to facebook. I got so many great answers, and most importantly, I got inspiration and encouragement. "OH yeah, that is one of my family's favorites also...." But I also got a new recipe. And I am so excited about it! We love Mexican meals, and we love meals that offer toppings, which means everyone can make it the way they like it. We also happen to love black beans, and eat them in so many ways, but I had never made black beans before. When a facebook friend shared her quick black bean burger recipe from myrecipes.com, I knew we had to try it. Well, we had them last night, and I can tell you, they were a HUGE success! Everyone loved them and they were super easy! Win-win! I adapted the recipe slightly. Here is what I did. I doubled it and that was perfect for our family. Next time I may triple to have some leftovers, because I think this would be a great next day lunch or to freeze a few to have when needed.

1 c. bread crumbs

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tsp chopped garlic

1 (15.25 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 tsp grated lime rind

1 Tbsp chopped cilantro

3/4 tsp chili powder

3/4 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Combine 1 Tbsp oil, garlic and beans in processor. Pulse until beans make a thick paste. Stir in remaining ingredients. With moistened hands, divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet or grill pan over med-high heat. Add patties to pan; reduce heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes or until bottom edges are browned. Carefully turn patties over and cook additional 3 minutes. 

I placed some monterey jack cheese on top and broiled before serving.

We served on buns with the following toppings: spicy mayo (mayo, Sirachi sauce, sweet chili sauce), avocado slices, tomato slices, black bean corn salsa. Also with green salad and a roasted corn salad. It was a quick, easy and complain-less meal! Will make again.

Thai Pork Wrap-Ups

Trying to get into Back to School and fall activity mode, I did some pre-planning for easy meals. I just found this in the new Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine in an article on 16 FAST IDEAS and had it tonight. It is great for a quick meal. It comes together very fast. In this case, I made it ahead of time and popped it in the freezer - took it out and had it for a quick-on-the-go-dinner. These are ingredients that are easy to have on hand and ones I intend to make sure I have in. Whether I cook it a-up ahead of time or make it on the go, we will be having this one again. We really liked it.:)

**Two notes: 1. It says it serves 4. I have some large nephews that I could see eating all, or at least half, of this meal in one sitting. 2. If you like it spicy, feel free to add some extra sriracha sauce on top at the end. It is delicious!

1 lb. ground pork

1 clove garlic, grated

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1/2 c chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp lime juice

1 Tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp sriracha

1 tsp brown sugar

1 head butter lettuce
veggies of choice -- bok choy, peppers, onions, grated carrots or zucchini, whatever you have on hand! It is a great way to add in a lot of veggies. Chop them and sauté them with the meat.

Cook pork and garlic in oil over high, 7 minutes. Off heat, stir in next 5 ingredients. Serve with lettuce. Serves 4.