BBQ Pinto Bean Burgers

Rinse the beans and drain. Put them in a large roasting pan and bake at about 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool at least slightly.

Add the beans to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork until the beans are mostly mashed but some large pieces remain.

Add the quinoa, panko, flour, BBQ sauce, garlic, green onions, and cheese, and mix until uniform. Taste and add a small amount of salt and pepper if desired, a quarter teaspoon at a time.

Add the beaten eggs to the bean mixture and stir until the mixture comes together.

Form into patties of desired size and let the bean patties rest on waxed paper at room temperature for 30 minutes. If longer than 30 minutes, you will want to put these in the refrigerator.

Heat a griddle, cast iron skillet, or other frying pan, and add the oil in a thin layer. Once hot, add the bean patties and fry for 5 minutes until browned.

1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g. vegetable, corn, safflower)

Flip the bean burgers and cook on the second side for 3 to 5 minutes longer.