Bean and Veggie Sliders

From Nathan’s Kitchen                                                                                                  Episode 1

Bean and Veggie Sliders

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to that traditional beef burger, try these delicious sliders.

Ingredients

            Makes about 12 sliders

	1	15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
	2	scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
	2	cloves garlic, peeled and minced
	1	teaspoon ground cumin
	1	medium carrot, peeled
	1	medium zucchini, peeled
	1	red bell pepper, trimmed and seeds removed
	1	large egg white
	1	cup breadcrumbs, finely ground
	¾	cup quick-cooking rolled oats (optional)
		Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
	1	tablespoon olive oil, for greasing
	12	small whole-wheat rolls, split and lightly toasted
		Assorted toppings, such as avocado, cheese, ketchup, lettuce, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, red onion, and tomatoes

Directions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, fitted with the steel blade attachment, combine the beans with the scallions, garlic, and cumin.  Pulse until the beans resemble ground meat.  Transfer the bean mixture to a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Fit the food processor with the grating disk attachment.  Cut the carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper into pieces just small enough to fit through the feeding tube of the food processor.  Then, with the machine running, grate the vegetables.  Combine the grated vegetables with the bean mixture.  Add the egg white, breadcrumbs, and rolled oats (if using) to the bean mixture.  Season with salt and black pepper, and stir until thoroughly combined.  With your hands, shape the mixture into twelve 2½- to 3-inch sliders (using about ¼ cup of the bean mixture for each). 
3. In a skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive until hot, but not smoking.  Reduce the heat to low and arrange the sliders in the skillet.  Cook until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.  Sandwich the finished sliders between the rolls and garnish with your favorite toppings.