SMOKEY SWEET POTATO BURGERS

1 (15 ox) can white beans, drained & rinsed

FOR THE SWEET POTATOES:

2 small or 1 large sweet potato

2 tablespoons nondairy milk

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast ( I used regular & less…) 

1 1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Few drops of liquid smoke (about 1/2 teaspoon)

2-3 Tablespoons ketchup

1/3 c rolled oats

1/4 c instant oats  (I used regular oats for both)

Chipotle powder

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400*. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & seat aside. 

2.  Mash the beans with a fork or pulse in a food processor so no whole beans are left, but the mixture is still chunky with some half beans. 

3. To make the sweet potatoes, I cook mine in the microwave, but you can also steam for 15 to 17 minutes. (I leave the skins on for added nutrition, but you can peel them off after cooking, if desired) Then mash & mix them with the nondairy milk to make “mashed potatoes”. 

4.  Mix the mashed beans with 1 cup of the mashed sweet potato, yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, liquid smoke, & ketchup ( use 3 Tablespoons for a slight tomato flavor), stirring to combine. 

5. Add the rolled & instant oats & stir to combine again. Add hot sauce to rase if desired. plus a few dashes of chipolte powder ( a little goes a long way!), then season to taste with salt & pepper. Taste & add more heat or smoke as desired. 

6 Separate into five equal portions and roll into balls with damp hands. Place balls on baking sheet (leaving room to spread), & press lightly into patties with your palm.

7. Bake for 10 minutes ( patties should be somewhat firm after 10 + minutes) . Flip with a spatular & bake 5 more minutes. Then flip again & bake for 2-5 minutes until they are deep in color, crisp & firmer.   

***I pan fried without oil for the same effect.  They were delicious!!!