Vegan Chipotle Sweet Potato Burger

This is another entry in our vague, occasional series of really easy and delicious veggie burgers. The truth is, if you add equal parts of quick-cooking oats to mashed beans or sweet potatoes or squash (or whatever), it will yield a workable mixture that is well-suited to be formed into a burger patty. All you need to do from that point is add a little seasoning. Genius! 


Just to be clear, these are not the kind of burgers that are meant to taste like ground beef. We are not huge fans of those types of things. These particular burgers taste like roasted sweet potato, smoked chilies, and cumin. It's a great combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet -- especially paired with rich slices of avocado and some tangy salsa.  

Vegan Chipotle Sweet Potato Burger

1 1/2 cups baked, peeled, mashed sweet potato (1 large or 2 medium)
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 or 2 minced chipotle chilies (from a can)
Canola oil (for panfrying)

In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato, oats, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chipotles until well incorporated. Cover and set aside in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the moisture to distribute. Form mixture into 4 patties and pan-fry over medium heat in a little canola oil  for about 4 minutes per side. Serve on a Kaiser roll with slices of avocado, tomato, arugula, and salsa. (Serves 4.)