Monday, June 03, 2013

Pinto Bean Mini Burgers

Another Sunday afternoon, and I found myself wondering what I'm going to post on the blog this week. You know how it goes- when life is busy, you cook familiar things instead of trying anything new. And hundreds of recipes later, all my dinner rotation classics are already here on the blog. 

Well, this month MLLA is being hosted here on One Hot Stove, so in honor of that, I tried to think of some leguminous recipe to try for Sunday supper. A few weeks ago, I asked fellow food bloggers to recommend recipes from their blog. Manasi recommended her mini quinoa and bean burgers. I had the ingredients on hand, so that's what I made last night.


1. Soak 1 cup pinto beans for several hours, rinse and pressure cook them. Drain and mash coarsely.

2. Soak, rinse and cook 1/3 cup quinoa. Let it cool somewhat, then add it to the mashed beans.

3. Season with:
Ginger garlic paste
Salt to taste
Red chilli powder
Cumin coriander powder
Lots of minced cilantro
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 slices of stale bread, torn

4. Mix well, then form mini burgers and cook them on an oiled cast iron skillet until golden brown on both sides.

Like all the other patties/veggie burgers I've ever tasted, this was good eats! Next time, I'll have to do a better job of rinsing the quinoa, because there was a hint of bitterness in the burgers.

I served the mini burgers on some sweet little sun dried tomato rolls (from a trip to the Farmers' Market yesterday) with some avocado salad on the side. This was a huge, beautiful avocado from Africa (I better not get into how I came to acquire an avocado from Africa though).

All this month, I'll got through my bookmarks and try some recipes with legumes. And find something new to make for my own MLLA entry.

* * *

So V and I find ourselves talking more and more about adopting a dog. It has been nearly 5 months since our beloved Dalu passed away, and honestly, it has been harder than we expected. My heart just feels so heavy when I think about him. And after so many years of being our "only child", reminders of Dale are everywhere- his picture is the wallpaper and screen saver for our computers and phones. Lila even remembers him on a daily basis, shouting "de de" when she sees his picture- and here I was thinking she's so little that it would be out of sight, out of mind for her.

The one and only Dalu dada will never be replaced. But there are too many dogs out there waiting in shelters for a forever family, and we have room in our hearts and home to bring one of them home. So we're getting our backyard safely fenced in for happy canine playtime, and we hope to find a sweet mutt to call our own. When we do, you'll be the first to know!

27 comments:

  1. I was also planning to make that recipe when I saw the link on your blog. Most probably tomorrow. :)

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    1. Awesome- you'll have to tell us how well it works for you!

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    2. I did make them yesterday although I added some stuff I needed to use up, like cheese, olives and a little onion. I went the whole route and made the pitas and sauce too. It was really amazing with the yogurt sauce.

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  2. I am really intrigued about the Avocados from Africa. Please tell us more. The Aldi store near our home carries huge Avocados that are cheaper and tastier than regular sized ones. I wonder if these are from Africa too.

    My hubby has been hinting for the past several years that he would love to get a dog and I am warming up to the thought but the fact that dogs cannot be potty trained and we have to clean up after them is something that gives me the creeps. Any tips on dealing with this so that it doesnt feel that bad doing it, everyday, for years? Does love really make potty cleaning a creeps-free chore? I am sorry for sounding so shallow but honestly, this is a major stumbling block for us. The second stumbling block is spaying the dog, the thought is difficult to come in terms with...I've read about the good side to it and my mind is convinced but but my heart is really confused.

    - Priti

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    1. The avocado was a gift- I didn't buy it. Was mighty big and tasty though :)

      For me, having a pet is one of the most wonderful things in life. It is an incredible bond. I realize that not everyone is a pet person. If your husband would love to get a dog, it would be a pity if he couldn't, he would be missing out on something special.

      About the ickiness of picking up after a dog: I am an averagely squeamish person, but I can honestly say that after years of picking up dog poop and now, wiping a baby's poopy butt- that yes, if you love someone, the potty cleaning is instantly an ick-free chore, so much so that I don't even give it another thought. For picking up after dogs, you use a bag or scoop, it's not like you have to touch the mess with your bare hands.

      I'm not sure if I understand your objection to spaying/neutering a dog. See if this page is helpful: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/spay_neuter_myths_facts.html

      One suggestion: If you want to dip a toe into the world of pets, please consider volunteering at a local shelter, just walking their dogs or playing with their cats or helping at adoption events, to see if you enjoy being around animals.

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    2. Thanks Nupur! I shall certainly give it a thought.

      - Priti

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  3. This burger looks good. Thanks to quinoa veggie burgers don't have to be that dense soy whatever mess you usually get. I had made a similar patty with black beans, quinoa, mushrooms and bell peppers. I like the use of stale bread as a binder. I will try this soon.

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    1. Oh, I agree, veggie burgers can be full of vegetables, quinoa, and all sorts of wonderful things. The original recipe called for breadcrumbs but I had some stale bread to use up and it worked great.

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  4. Never knew burger can be so healthy! Will try this on my 5 yr old niece, who turns her nose away before healthy food.

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    1. Most kids will enjoy burgers/patties of all kinds and I hope your niece enjoys this.

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  5. :'( miss Dalu and his updates on your blog, Nupur...

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  6. Cheering you on for making the decision to adopt again. Dog people should always have a dog in their family. I've been stuck for years in apartments that don't allow pets, so it has been very difficult to achieve a lifelong dream of having my own dog yet, but someday soon. Dogs are the absolute best.
    My elder sister has been fostering German Shepherds for years and recently adopted her latest foster, an adorable all-black dog called Brando.(Yes, GSDs are so gosh darn adorable. My mom has always thought the two of us crazy for thinking that.) Can't wait to meet him.

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    1. LOL well we adopted the dog first and worried about the apartments later ;) The last time, in St. Louis, I begged the potential landlord (who did not want pets) to just meet Dale once, she loved him and agreed to let us move in.
      I adore GSDs too, my parents had one that was particularly darling, but purebred GSDs (and other breeds) often have the most unfortunate genetic conditions.

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  7. I couldn't help shedding a tear after reading about how you miss Dale. I hope that time lightens your heavy heart. Best wishes to you.

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  8. Thank you, Nupur, for trying this recipe. I am so happy that you and V liked it. Did Lila try some?

    This is the first time I have heard of African Avocado, I'll look for it here. How big is it? Bigger than the Florida avocado?

    I am so glad you are thinking of adopting another dog, of course Dalu dada can never be replaced, but giving another dog a home and all your love is such a heart warming gesture.

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    1. Lila loved it too, Manasi, she made a crumbly mess but enjoyed it :)

      I think the avocado from Africa was bigger than my palm, so quite huge (although I do have tiny hands).

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  9. Hi Nupur

    I miss Dale here too. I can understand what you and family feel. Hope you get a dog soon tho Dale has a special place.

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    1. Thanks Anjali. There are so many sweet dogs out there looking for homes, and I hope we'll find another buddy soon.

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  10. Hi Nupur...tried out these burgers yesterday after seeing the recipe here....They turned out so good!! I dint have pinto beans on hand so used black beans instead. Will definetly keep making these often.

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    1. Black beans would be superb! Glad the recipe worked for you too.

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  11. Nupur...we lost our dog last year. She was 10 years when she passed, and it absolutely broke my heart. I do see myself getting a second dog in the future, and I'm glad that you will be adopting one too. Nothing can replace the pets that have gone, but you're right, there's always enough love for the next one! Good luck!

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    1. Oh Gauri, I understand how hard it is. We just don't feel complete without a dog in the family, and my little girl absolutely adores dog, so it makes sense for us to go out and adopt another buddy to love.

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  12. Nupur, how lovely! Look forward to hearing more doggie stories from you.
    Those burgers look amazing.

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    1. Thanks Vaishali! We're feeling nervous and excited to see what pup finds his/her way into our lives :)

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  13. Hello Nupur...was jsut just wondering, seeing this blog name...my! i still remember this name..and saw ur name - Nupur..and ws like..yes! thats it. Not sure, if u remember me, there was this old time blog in the 2007's..called" the kitchen scientist with a white - rat hubby!".Well.its the same me, Sona..now with a new space after years - Quick Picks (my recipe blog) and Pick Quicks ( my general space). do drop by when u get the time.

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