LET'S GET THIS (HEALTHY) PARTY STARTED

Let’s get this (healthy) party

started!

Chef Collette Haw

Summer is here!

After a long year of delayed family get-togethers and backyard barbecues, I’m ready to celebrate enjoying time and, most importantly, meals with loved ones again. One of my biggest passions is dispelling the myth that healthy food isn’t party food. Of course, it is! And what better meal to reinvent than the traditional, summer backyard barbecue.

These healthy, nutritious—absolutely delicious— black bean burgers just may change your party menu forever. They’re easy to prep in advance, giving you more time to spend with your guests. When it’s time to eat, just toss them in the oven and then give them a quick sear on your stovetop. Trust me – you don’t want to skip that step!

To up the flavor factor, I like to skip traditional condiments and instead top these black bean burgers with my fresh and zesty Summer Veggie “Ceviche” Salad. I just toss whatever I'm in the mood for, such as fresh herbs, avocado, tomatoes, peppers and lime juice and zest, together and pile it on top. Experiment by using whatever produce looks best at your local farmer’s market or even in your backyard garden.

HAPPY SUMMER!

Want more ideas? Visit WellbeingNetwork.org to join me in the kitchen for more fresh recipes!

Chef Collette Haw studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. After training in some of the country’s most honored restaurants, she became a personal chef for celebrities. She then launched her own business, Collette’s Clean Eats, to provide healthy, prepared meals to busy families. Chef Haw is now a restauranteur, partnering with the Winter Park Health Foundation to operate Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen in the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida.

Black Bean Burgers

Makes 4 Burgers

INGREDIENTS

1 can black beans ¼ cup chopped, toasted walnuts 2 tablespoons chopped red onion ½ chipotle pepper, diced 1 tablespoon adobo sauce 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno ¼ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ tablespoon chopped garlic cloves ¼ cup chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds 2 tablespoons water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a food processor, puree ¾ the amount of the black beans until it forms a paste.

2. Add the pureed black bean into a bowl with the whole black beans and add the following: walnuts, red onion, chipotle peppers, adobo, jalapeno, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, chopped garlic and cilantro. Mix well.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the ground flax seeds with the water and allow to sit for a few minutes until the flax has soaked up all the water.

4. Add the flax mixture to the bean mixture and mix well again.

5. Form into 4 patties and place them on a sprayed cooking sheet.

6. Bake in a pre-heated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes to set.

7. Sear the patties on the stovetop on a flat top or pan on both sides.

8. Ready to enjoy!