Tuna & Cannellini Bean Burgers
These burgers are simple to make and great to eat. Kids will never know that they contain super healthy cannellini beans instead of the usual mashed potato base - even fussy eaters will be fooled.
Preparation time: 20 - 25 minutes (+ 1 hr chill time) Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes 6 medium (or 8 smaller) burgers. Serves 2 to 3 people
You need
185g (7 oz) can of tuna in oil, drained and flaked
400g (15 oz) can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 leek, white part only, sliced
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (+ 1/2 cup extra spread on a plate for crumbing)
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
Few grinds of black pepper
Oil for frying
To cook
Heat a generous tablespoon of oil in a frying pan, add the leek and gently fry until it is very soft but not browned. Add the garlic and fry for a further 1 minute. Chop cooked leek into smaller pieces. In a large bowl, mash the beans well. Add all ingredients (except the extra 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs) to the beans and combine well.
With your hands, scoop out a blob of mixture, roll into a ball and then roll in breadcrumbs. Flatten into a patty and set aside. You are aiming to make 6 to 8 patties from this mixture. Repeat until the bean mixture is used up. Cover the patties with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before cooking.
To cook them, heat several tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan. Add 3 or 4 patties and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are well browned. If you turn them carefully they won't fall apart. Set aside and keep warm. Repeat with remaining patties adding extra oil to the pan to ensure browning. Serve immediately. Good on their own or with practically any vegetable or salad you can think of.
Upgrades
Any or all of the following can be added to the basic mixture:
- Soft herbs (e.g. parsley, chives), small handful, finely chopped
- Celery, 1/2 stick, finely chopped and fried with leek
- A little grated cheese of your choice
Good to know
A Can be prepared well in Advance and left to chill before cooking.
F Best eaten as soon as they are cooked but cooked burgers can be Frozen and reheated (from frozen) in the oven. Brush with a little vegetable oil to prevent from drying out.
