Veggie Burger with Plantain Buns

Step 1

Add the mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Step 2

Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced mushroom and allow them to cook for 5-6 minutes until they release water and the water begins to evaporate—season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Add the chili peppers, garlic, and black beans and pulse to the food processor until finely chopped. It’s okay if the black beans are a little lumpy.

Step 4

Add the mixture to the skillet and cook for 4 more minutes.

Step 5

Season with chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne powder (if using), salt, pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes more. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow to cool for 20 minutes. You can use a spoon to spread the mixture around the sides of the bowl to allow it to cool more quickly and evenly.

Step 7

While the black beans cool, prepare the plantain buns.

Step 8

Peel the plantains and transfer them to a bowl. Use a fork to mash until almost completely mush. It’s ok if they’re a little lumpy. Season with salt and chili powder.

Step 9

Add the cassava flour and work it into the mixture until it is thick and pasty. If it seems too wet, add a touch more flour.

Step 10

Wipe out the skillet used to make the black bean mixture.

Step 11

Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the plantain mixture and use your spoon’s back to smooth it out into a cake as it fries. Pretend you’re making a crepe, but make it about 1/2” thick vs. a very thin crepe. Allow it to fry undisturbed for 1-3 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip it and cook for 1-3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.

Step 12

Continue frying the rest of the mixture in increments until all are fried. Set aside.

Step 13

Wipe out the skillet.

Step 14

Heat another teaspoon or two of oil in the skillet. Turn the heat to medium.

Step 15

Scoop out a handful of the black bean mixture. If it seems too wet, add a touch more flour. It will be a little “gloopy,” but that’s okay.

Step 16

Remove 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a pattie with your hands. Transfer it to the hot skillet and allow it to cook for 2 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for another 2 minutes until well-browned. Transfer to a plate.

Step 17

Continue cooking the patties in batches.

Step 18

Place a plantain bun on a plate and put a veggie burger on top. Serve with your favorite burger toppings.