(Family Features) For a plant-forward option that’s anything but ordinary, vegetarians and burger lovers alike can enjoy Southwest Black Bean-Lentil Burgers with Charred Grape Salsa. Hearty black bean patties are perfectly complemented by the smoky-sweet flavor of homemade charred grape salsa. Plus, added spice from cumin and chili powder mixed with fresh avocado and cilantro makes a satisfying mix of Southwest flavors.

Discover more summertime recipe solutions by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

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Southwest Black Bean-Lentil Burgers with Charred Grape Salsa

Servings: 8

Grape Salsa:

• 4 cups red or black Grapes from California
• 3/4 medium white onion, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, halved, stemmed, and seeded
• 1/3 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Burgers:

• 2/3 cup cooked black or green lentils
• 2/3 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
• 2 eggs
• olive oil cooking spray
• 8 wheat burger buns, toasted
• lettuce leaves (optional)
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced

To prepare salsa: In a grill basket over medium-high heat, grill grapes, onion, and jalapeno pepper 10 minutes until lightly charred, stirring occasionally. Let cool, then place in a food processor with cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. Process until finely chopped.

To prepare burgers: In a food processor, pulse lentils, rice, walnuts, onion, breadcrumbs, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, beans, and eggs until coarsely chopped with some small pieces still visible, scraping down sides and moving mixture from bottom of bowl to top to blend evenly.

Using wet or lightly oiled hands, shape into eight patties. If the mixture is too soft, freeze briefly to firm. Coat on both sides with olive oil spray and, in two skillets over medium heat, cook 10 minutes, turning occasionally and coating with additional olive oil spray. Burgers should be browned and cooked through.

Place lettuce on bun bottoms and top with burgers, avocado slices, grape salsa, and top buns.