May 14, 2009

Burrito in Disguise

I do a little happy dance every time I open the mailbox to find the latest issue of Gourmet Magazine. My doormen and neighbors get a kick out of it, but they've become quite accustomed to it ever since I found this and this, and have since had many a wonderful presents waiting for me at home. After my little display, I hop on the elevator, balance the dog on one arm, water bottle and oversized purse on the other, and attempt to flip to the Gourmet Everyday section. 

This is my most favorite part of the whole magazine. It's generally packed with flavorful and unique meals that can be pulled together in a snap. All without getting all Rachel Ray "add a can of cream of Lord-knows-what." Quick, beautiful, and something that doesn't feel utterly flopped together - these are my kind of weeknight recipes. 

They are also my kind of lunches. Ever since I stopped working I've found lunch to be one of the most challenging meals of the day (did ya'll know I don't work? Well, I don't at the moment. I'm essentially the "real" version of a NYC housewife.) I mean, you want something tasty, but I sure as heck don't want to be up to my ears in dishes and then have to do the same thing all over again a few hours later. So I tend to either go out to lunch with the girls or settle at home with a bowl of cereal. One can get expensive (and fattening!) and the other is just downright boring. That's why I love these quick little meals. A nice meal at home, that won't leave me too run down to actually cook dinner.

This meatless black bean burger is essentially a burrito disguised as a hamburger. It has all the flavors of the typical Mexican fare, it's just served on a bun. A nice, albeit healthy (are you seeing the healthy trend as bikini season is upon us?), spin on a classic. This would also be a great option for any vegetarians out there who don't want to be eating a tofu hot dog at the barbecues this summer. 

I also have a few thank-yous to give out:

- Thanks to Foodbuzz for the wonderful event they put on at David Burke Townhouse this past Tuesday. The food and company were both phenomenal. It's so fun and inspiring to meet people who have a passion for food.

- Thanks to Stonyfield Farm's Oikos Greek Yogurt for introducing me to your product. The yogurt was fantastic in my Milo's Tsatsiki!

- And Thanks to Scate for the Premio MEME Blog Award. You are such a sweetheart! 


Burrito Burgers
Adapted from Gourmet Magazine
Serves 2

1 (14-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
pinch of cayenne (omit if you like)
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
vegetable oil
2 hamburger buns
sour cream, salsa and lettuce (optional toppings)
  • In a food processor, combine half the beans, mayo, bread crumbs, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and salt, and pulse until it forms a puree.
  • Spoon bean mixture into a small bowl and stir in the cilantro and remaining beans.
  • Divide mixture in half and form 2 patties.
  • Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook patties until the edges are crisped, turning once (about 5 minutes total). 
  • Serve on buns with lettuce, sour cream and salsa. 

29 comments:

Simones Kitchen said...

Hmm, I have to get myself a copy of gourmet magazine. I've not seen it around here, but I am sure it will be somewhere (usually in Amsterdam) I am having subscriptions right now to cooking magazines from Australia (Donna Hay), UK (Goodfood, Olive), Holland ofcourse (Delicious) and so another country would be welcome...lol.. I looooove cooking mags so I can understand your happy dance! This looks like a delicious dish!

Anonymous said...

oooh i love gourmet magazine! these burgers sound soooood good!

Dewi said...

I have the magazine, I normally just flip through quickly, then completely forget about it. This Burtito burger sounds delicious. I'll go and check the magazine now.
Thank you, this is just give me an idea what to make for dinner tonight.

Unknown said...

I also love this section of the magazine as it's something I can afford to make and have time to make after a long day of work. I love how your "patty" is hanging over the side! So great. Yes, I am a runner and in fact ran the MORE Half 2.5 weeks ago and have done many other NYRR races. Bo and I are doing their 9 in 2009 program to qualify for 2010 marathon!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Great recipe. It's nice to have some meatless recipes on hand. It makes the kitchen seem a little greener.

Lori Lynn said...

Sounds very tasty. I like the portion size of the burger compared to the bun.
LL

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Funny that you do the Happy dance. I just borrowed some Gourmet magazine from the library. Will go at at the Gourmet Everyday section. I may find some good ideas for my lunches as I'm alone at this time of the day.

Chef Fresco said...

Homemade blackbean burger - nice! Thanks for the recipe! I'm gonna have to find me a copy of that magazine :)

Lauren said...

Thanks for dropping by the EVK - glad to hear I'm not the only one with magazine issues. It's almost as bad as when there's a J Crew box waiting for me - but that's therapy for a different day. Cheers to burrito burgers!

noble pig said...

That sounds delicious. I love that section of the mag too...I haven't checked the latest issue though.

Foodie with Little Thyme! said...

Cooking and cleaning, that's my life. Looks wonderful. I bet my family would love this. Enjoy your time off.

Foodiewife said...

Would you believe that I don't read Gourmet magazine? The only reason is that I can barely find time to read the 'zines I do get! Instead, I go to Epicurious. This does look delicious, though! I do have to say that while Rachael Ray is obnoxious, she doesn't use canned processed foods. I'm a foodie purist, so that will have to say that.
I wish I could be a stay-at-home wife. How I'd love to enjoy that luxury. Enjoy!

Debby

Jamie said...

Rue La La? Now that is funny!

This Burrito Burger looks great! I need to try this next time I get in the Hamburger mood (which is usually just a I-don't-want-to-cook-what's-fast-and-easy mood!

I rarely buy cooking magazines, but I do that happy dance every time I buy a cookbook which is usually as often as most others buy a magazine.

Donna-FFW said...

I will have to study the gourmet everyday section a bit more now. these burgers look delicious, LOVE black beans. Lucky you NYC lunching wife. I admit I do the happy Dance each time a food mag arrives in my mailbox.. which is almost every other day!

Anonymous said...

I love this idea of burrito burger and it looks delicious! I can't wait to try it for one of my lunches soon!

Dana Fallentine said...

It seems like Mexican cooking always calls for fresh ingredients... love it!

Cate O'Malley said...

I love that section of Gourmet magazine too. Found one or two losers there, but definitely more winners. The burgers look fab!

sugarlens said...

Lucky! I want your "job", please.

I never paid much attention to the Gourmet Magazine because I figured that those recipes are too complicated for me, but that Everyday section sounds like something that even I can do.

That's a great looking non-burger!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I love anything with black beans so I know I would love this burrito. Nice to have some meatless meals up your sleeve. Hope you are enjoying your new "stay at home" life. Sometimes it's nice for a change. You'll be amazed how time flies and they day is over before you know it.
Sam

Juliana said...

Very interesting recipe...burger with black bean. Nice vegetarian dish. By the way, thank you so much for visiting my site.

pigpigscorner said...

Such a healthy treat! yum yum!

Anonymous said...

oh my god! look at that overflowing fat piece of burger! EXACTLY my style!

Emily said...

No, I didn't know you didn't work right now. I'm very curious about you. How did you end up in NY?
I think I'm going to go ahead and apply for school. I'll figure out the money later.

I know exactly what section you're talking about. I think Gourmet has gotten better in this past year. This looks great! I love black beans.

Long comment. :(

Kerstin said...

I love black beans but have never made a black bean burger - looks yummy! I'm going to have to check out Gourmet!

Sara said...

I love bean burgers! I made some the other night with pinto beans and bulgur. Can't wait to try this one.

grace said...

black bean burgers rock. every time i have one, i'm able to temporarily convince myself that i could be a vegetarian. that feeling doesn't last very long--all it takes is one whiff of fried chicken...

The Coconut Head said...

This recipe is interesting!

test it comm said...

Whether it is a burrito or a burger it sounds good!

Melinda said...

That black bean burger looks awesome! Great blog:D