South-Western Black Bean Burgers

These were great!  At first I was a bit concerned about making our own bean burgers, but they were a snap.  It was a great meatless meal.  We will do it again!

Ingredients:

1 can (15 to 16 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons light mayo

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon plain dried bread crumbs

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

cooking spray

1 cup lettuce (sliced) or as we used cabbage

4 mini whole wheat pitas, warmed

1/2 cup mild salsa

Preparation:

1.) In large bowl, with potato masher or fork, mash beans with mayo until almost smooth with some lumps.  Stir in cilantro, bread crumbs, cumin, and pepper sauce until combined.  With lightly floured hands, shape bean mixture into four 3 inch round patties.  Spray both sides of each patty lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

2.) Heat 10 inch skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add patties and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.  With pancake turner, turn patties over, and cook until heated through, 3 minutes longer.

3.) Arrange lettuce on pitas, top with burgers then salsa.