Sesame Adzuki Bean Burger

Marlene Watson-Tara, author of Go Vegan, includes the Sesame Adzuki Bean Burger in her Foods for Autumn Health recipe suggestions as adzuki beans are rich in nutrients, such as fibre, protein and manganese. They are linked to several health benefits, including weight loss and improved digestion.

The adzuki bean, or red mung bean, is an annual vine widely cultivated throughout East Asia for its small bean. Adzuki beans are widely available in UK supermarkets as dried or pre-cooked and canned products.

Sesame Adzuki Bean Burger – ingredients

1 onion diced fine
3 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
1 red bell pepper, small dice
3 cups stemmed, chopped kale, small dice
3 cups cooked adzuki beans
3 tbsp. tahini
2 tbsp. water, or as needed
½ cup or more sesame seeds (optional)

Sesame Adzuki Bean Burger – method

Preheat oven to 190C/375° and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Heat a splash or two of water in a large pan over medium heat and add the onion, celery, garlic, and ginger. Cook stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and translucent.

Stir in the bell pepper and kale and cook, covered, until kale has wilted, another 5 minutes or so. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, puree 2 cups of the adzuki beans, tahini, and water in a food processor.

Transfer the bean puree mix to a large mixing bowl and stir in the vegetable mixture and remaining cup of whole adzuki beans.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on a large plate, if using.

With moistened hands, scoop out one heaped tablespoon of the mixture and form into a ball. Use more mixture for larger burgers. Flatten slightly and press either side into the sesame seeds and transfer to the baking tray.

Bake the burgers for 20 minutes turning once halfway through or until a slight crust has formed.

Sesame Adzuki Bean Burgers are ideal served with baked pumpkin slices on top, drizzled with balsamic glaze and a hefty serving of steamed greens and pickles.