Tired of boring veggie burgers? These Chipotle Quinoa Burgers are topped with homemade Sweet Corn Relish. The recipe is super easy to make, too!
A Chris Recipe
The only reason I ever remember my wedding anniversary is because my Grandma sends Chris and me a card in the mail every year. (Thank you, Grandma!) And whenever someone asks me how long I've been married, I freak out a little bit and have to do some quick math in my head. Did we get married in 2005? Or was it 2006? (It was 2006.) What year is it now? What's 13 minus 6? OH NO WHAT'S 13 MINUS 6??? I really should just throw out a random number because how would they know, right? Also, I really should buy some flashcards and practice basic math.
So today is our anniversary! We used to use it as an excuse to get an expensive dinner, but now we don't really do anything for it. And that's okay! With both of us! I'm lucky to have married someone who is as into anniversaries and birthdays and holidays as I am. Which is to say, not at all. Anniversaries just seem kind of arbitrary to me. Like, hey, the Earth has rotated around the sun 7 times since we got married—here's a box of chocolates! I'm not really into grand gestures, you see. I'm more about the small, everyday things.
Although he tries every recipe I make for Oh My Veggies, every once in a while I will make something that I deem a Chris recipe—something I make with him in mind because I know he'll love it. These Chipotle Quinoa Burgers are definitely a Chris recipe, thanks to a healthy dose of chipotle pepper. I like chipotle, but Chris loves it. The annoying thing about cooking with chipotle peppers is that you always have leftovers. I like to puree the remaining peppers and sauce, freeze them in an ice cube tray, and use them later. I describe the whole process in my Crispy Chipotle Potato Tian post.
About the Recipe
The first time I tried making these, I wanted to put corn in the burgers, but they ended up crumbling, so I decided to do a sweet corn relish instead. (It's summer! I had to figure out some way to include corn!) The relish can be made up to two days in advance. If you want it to have a little more heat, you can substitute a hotter pepper for the jalapeño. Other good toppings for these burgers include pepperjack cheese, mayo (cashew or otherwise), salsa, grilled or caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. I hate telling people what to put on their veggie burgers because really, anything goes.
Oh, and this is the third burger recipe in my summer of veggie burgers series! I posted Cauliflower Hummus Burgers with Mint Tzatziki in May and Lentil Mushroom Burgers in June. Don't feel like making your own burgers? That's okay too! Here are my favorite store-bought veggie burgers.
Ingredients
Chipotle Black Bean Quinoa Burgers
- 1 ½ cups cooked black beans or a 15 oz can, rinsed
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa cooked according to package directions
- ¼ cup panko
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ to 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- salt to taste
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- buns Sweet Corn Relish, cheese, lettuce, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and anything else you like on your burgers
Sweet Corn Relish
- 2 ears corn kernels removed
- ¼ cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp white sugar (organic for vegan-friendly)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Chipotle Black Bean Quinoa Burgers
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Mash half of the black beans in a large bowl. Stir in remaining black beans, quinoa, panko, garlic, minced chipotle, onion powder, and cumin. Once all ingredients are fully incorporated, add salt to taste. Fold in the beaten egg.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the burger mixture into 6 mounds on the baking sheet, then shape each mound into a bun-sized patty. Bake the burgers for about 20 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through baking time. They're done when they're baked through and slightly crispy on the edges. Serve with Sweet Corn relish and your favorite veggie burger toppings.
Sweet Corn Relish
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate up to 2 days before serving.
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
I definitely threw out more than half the jar last time I used those peppers! Such a good idea to freeze the extras... Same goes for tomato paste! Does anyone actually use a whole jar?? These burgs look fab-- especially that corn relish! Can't wait to try.
Kiersten says
I know! I do the same thing with tomato paste though--I portion it out into tablespoons, freeze it in ice cube trays, and thaw the cubes as I need them. I can't stand to throw out a whole can of tomato paste because I only need a tablespoon!
[email protected] the boot says
congratulations! we celebrate anniversaries the same way, by being reminded that it's our anniversary. and amazing burgers, i have to make them! 🙂
Kiersten says
I'm so relieved that people are commenting on this post and saying they're the same way about anniversaries! 🙂 I feel much better now!
dixya| food, pleasure, and health says
happy anniversary 🙂 i love chipotle peppers a lot..these burgers look pretty celebratory to me. Have a great time you guys <3
Kiersten says
Thank you! 🙂
Caitlin says
well happy anniversary, lady! dayv and i used them as an excuse to get an expensive dinner, but i totally understand how everyday gestures are so important to the well being of a marriage. i love when dayv surprises me with things throughout the year, just because.
you know, i've never made anything with chipotle precisely for the reason that there is so much left over. i love the idea of freezing it in ice cube trays. also- corn relish ON veggie burgers is definitely right up my alley!
Kiersten says
Yeah, I wish they sold chipotle in a more convenient form. Recipes only call for a little bit, but they only sell it in cans.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
This relish sounds SO good! I think that it would be good paired with pretty much any Summertime veggie burger! 🙂
Kiersten says
Yeah, you could really put it on just about anything and it would be delicious!
dishing up the dirt says
Happy Anniversary! These burgers sounds amazing. That corn relish is something I need to make asap!
Kiersten says
Thank you! The corn relish is good on its own too. 😉
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
Looks delicious!!! Great flavors!
ea-the spicy rd says
First off, Happy Anniversary!!! Even though I do enjoy a little celebration every now and then, I completely agree that it's really the small, everyday gestures of love that mean the most 🙂 Love the looks of these burgers, and I'm thinking my gluten-free cajun spiced breadcrumbs would be perfect in these!
Kiersten says
Thank you! And oh my goodness, I'm going to have to look for those breadcrumbs! Hello, crispy Cajun zucchini fries!
Ashley says
Happy anniversary : ) We're the same way - we rarely do anything crazy for anniversaries/birthdays! And that sweet corn relish sounds delicious.
Kiersten says
Thank you! Sometimes I feel like we're the only ones that don't make a big deal out of this stuff, so I'm glad that's not the case. 😉
Liz says
Kiersten,
My guy and I are the same way you and Chris are; my family remembers how long we've been together better than *I* do. 🙂
Though we're not married, my SO and I have been together since the same year you and Chris got married, so we're getting up there (!), which makes it harder and harder to remember just how long it's been! I've never been a big celebration person, either (it was just the way I was raised), so it actually feels AWKWARD celebrating anything but Christmas (what can I say, I love that winter holiday). Despite it being nice to do something different or special every once in awhile, after that many years together, the small things really DO matter more than the big, one-day extragavanzas. However you guys decide to spend it, happy anniversary!
PS I LOVE how SIMPLE and QUICK these burgers are, even with the homemade relish. Give me something with chipotle in it, and call me happy. 🙂
Kiersten says
Yay, we're not alone! It's kind of sad that my mom and grandma remember the date of our anniversary and we don't, but like you, I find celebrations awkward. And anything involving romance--oh heck no. Roses, boxes of chocolates, greeting cards, I just can't do any of those things, they make me feel SO uncomfortable.
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Gorgeous burgers! Can't go wrong combing beans with quinoa. These would be perfect for Summer time dining!
Kiersten says
Thank you! They are definitely perfect for summer. 🙂
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
Yum! Black beans do make the best veggie burgers, don't they...
Kiersten says
They definitely do!
[email protected] says
Mmmm, black bean burgers are one of my favorite kinds of veggie burgers 🙂
My husband is like you and Chris when it comes to anniversaries- not that big of a deal, not into cards- but I'm sort of the opposite! I like to make plans and mark the occasion, since it seems like we've been through so much to get where we are now.
Kiersten says
Yeah, it's definitely a good thing that Chris and I are on the same page about this stuff! Your husband will just have to learn to be into anniversaries, I think. 🙂
Aggie says
Happy anniversary 🙂
Loving these bean and quinoa burgers, I have yet to make one! These look delicious!
Kiersten says
Thank you, Aggie! 🙂
Laura @ Kneadwhine says
Wow - these look gorgeous. I love black beans. Pinning!
Kiersten says
Thanks for the pin!
Grace @ Earthy Feast says
My husband and I are the same way when it comes to dates and anniversaries, etc. The little everyday things are what matter most. 😉 This little burger looks amazing - all my favorite seasonings and spices in a delicious summertime burger! Yum!
Kiersten says
I'm glad we're not the only ones! 🙂
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
That's one of the most scrumptious lookin' black bean burgers I've ever seen! These babies are loaded with protein and I love it!
Kiersten says
Thank you! And yes, beans + quinoa = double the protein. 🙂
Corinna says
I am so glad that I am not the only wife who cannot remember when she got married!
Kiersten says
I feel better about it only because my husband forgets too. 🙂 But yeah, some people look at you like you have two heads if it takes you even a second to answer that question!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Happy anniversary! I'm loving the chipotle in these burgers!
Kiersten says
Thank you! 🙂
Courtney @ The Fig Tree says
Ooooo! These look fantastic! The sweet corn relish sounds like the perfect topping to these spicy burgers. Yum! Cannot wait to try them!
Kiersten says
You can never go wrong with sweet and spicy, right? 🙂
Shirley says
Happy anniversary!! Why go out to a restaurant when you can have these veggie burgers? Especially if corn relish is involved, yum.
Kiersten says
Exactly! And what restaurants serve veggie burgers with corn relish? NONE!
mjskit says
Happy Anniversary!!! Oh I know what you mean about having to do the math. I guess it all comes down to celebrating another year of being together, no matter how many years came before. Love these burgers! I'm a huge fan of chipotle and black beans, so these veggies burgers definitely have my attention. They look like the perfect veggie burger!
Kiersten says
Thank you! And yes, if you like chipotle and black beans, you will definitely love these burgers. 🙂
[email protected]'s Recipes says
Talk about the perfect vegetarian burger!
Happy Anniversary!!!
Kiersten says
Thank you! 🙂
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says
Happy Anniversary (a day late!) Great burgers!
Kiersten says
Thank you, Sommer! 🙂
Holly says
Kiersten;
I know you've not made them this way, but do you think it would work if I used a 1 Tbsp of Flax meal and 1 Tbsp of vegan mayo as the binder? I know I have successfully used flax meal and water to bind other "meat" type recipes including your mushroom lentil loaf.
Happy anniversary! And thanks so much for the recipes. Everyone I've tried has been a hit.
Much obliged!
Kiersten says
I think that would work! You could skip flipping the patties over during the baking time, which will help them stay together too. If you try it, let me know how it goes!