Step 1

To make your flax egg, whisk together 1 TBSP ground flax with 3 TBSP water and pop it in the fridge to set.

Step 2

Next coarsely mash your beans in a large bowl and set aside. For added texture, you can leave some of the beans in tact.

Step 3

Add your pumpkin, chopped chipotle peppers, garlic, and onion to the beans and season with your Italian seasoning blend, salt, garlic powder, paprika and red pepper flakes, then stir to coat.

Step 4

Next grab your oats, you can leave them whole for texture's sake, chop them, or pulse them in a blender/processor. I usually go with the latter when photographing my burgers since they make a prettier patty - but all three options are delicious so go with whichever method you prefer!

Step 5

Add a tablespoon of oil and stir in your oats.

Step 6

Remove your flax egg from the fridge and add it to the bowl.

Step 7

Stir to fully incorporate and roll mixture into four balls.

Step 8

For optimal burger shape, cup each ball in your hands and squeeze tightly, rotating as you gently, but firmly, press it into a disc.

Step 9

Place burgers onto a plate, cover with foil or cling wrap and refrigerate as you prep your buns [or lettuce wraps!] and toppings. This will give them a little while to set. You can even leave them overnight and cook them up the following day. I often make one after 15-30 minutes of chill time and cook up the rest the following day.

Step 10

READY TO EAT?

Step 11

Pour a tablespoon or two of oil in a skillet and heat to medium-high, so the burgers sizzle when you add them to the pan!

Step 12

Cook for a few minutes on each side until you're left with a golden crust. and a warm center. Repeat for each burger, or cook two at once if you have a big enough pan! I'd skip crowding all four together just because they're a pain to flip when all up in eachother's business. A tip for perfectly shaped veggie burgers? While sizzling away in the skillet, I use my spatula to gently nudge the sides of each patty and help form the sides into a perfect disc. Works like a charm!

Step 13

To make the sauce: simply combine ingredients and whisk! If you have a food processor handy add some of the actual chipotle peppers into the sauce too and blend away!

Step 14

Slather your buns with chipotle sauce, pile them high with greens and top each with a tasty pumpkin burger. Top with avocado smash and the upper bun and enjoy!