In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil until hot. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Add the cooked onion and garlic, beans, and spices into a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds to mix roughly. Add the egg and breadcrumbs, and pulse for a few more seconds. Do not over-mix!
Divide the mixture into three. Using your hands, shape it into 3 big patties. In the same skillet as before, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat until hot. Add the patties and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Serve with burger buns, mayo, lettuce, or anything you want.
Notes
Dry the beans well. The worst part about a vegetarian burger is that the patty can be mushy. To prevent that, use a paper towel to soak any liquid that's left. Better, yet, if you have the time, bake the beans for 10-15 minutes, until they are dry and have a crack (and let them cool completely!). Now that will make for the best vegetarian burgers.
Let the onion and garlic cool completely. This further prevents adding too much moisture to the burgers. It takes just a few minutes, but small things like that make a difference.
Don't over-mix! You don't want the mixture to be completely pureed but rather have texture. Blend only until the ingredients are well combined.
Use a cast-iron skillet for best results. A cast iron can get hot and retain that temperature for a long time, which gives the food an even and deep browning.
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.