Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers (adapted from Veganomicon)

* 2 C black bean (canned is fine) (a mix with some garbanzo beans is good too)
* 3-4 cloves garlic
* 1/2 C and 2 T vital wheat gluten
* 1/2 small onion grated on a box grater
* 1 t salt
* 1/4 t cumin
* chili powder to taste
* 2 T cilantro finely chopped
* 1/4 C water
* 2 T tomato paste
* olive oil

1. Mash the black beans in a medium bowl with a fork until most beans are mashed—some half beans still visible. Add the following but do not mix yet: garlic grated with a rasp grater, grated onion, wheat gluten, water, salt, cumin, chili powder, cilantro.
2. Mix with a fork and then with hands to knead ingredients together a little. Shape into 6 patties by pressing mixture very firmly together into a ball then pressing into patty about 1/2” thick. Spray both sides of the patty with nonstick spray.
3. Heat large fry pan over medium heat. Pour in a thin layer of olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. When the pan is hot, put 3 patties into pan. As bean burger cooks, press firmly with a spatula. Flip when first side is browned, about 6 minutes. Cook other side in the same way.