It wouldn’t be summer without burgers! This delicious burger has all the flavors of summer without the grease. It’s packed with nutrients to help you recover and fuel your workouts. The whole family or your group of friends will love this burger.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, mashed (2 cups mashed if using instant or frozen mashed sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or grain of your choice
• 1 cup cooked black beans (I use canned)
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 cup ninety chopped walnuts (I use a food processor)
• 2 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• salt and pepper to your liking

Instructions

1. Wash sweet potatoes, wrap in damp paper towel, pierce with a fork and microwave for 7 minutes. Or cook frozen to directions so they are soft enough to mash.
2. Add black beans to a mixing bowl and mash half of them. Leave some for texture. Add sweet potato and lightly mash before adding 1 cup of quinoa or whatever grain you’re using, onion, garlic, walnuts and spices. Mix to combine thoroughly. Give it a taste and see if it needs anything. If the mixture is too wet, add more quinoa or walnuts. It should be moist but malleable.
3. Form the mixture into patties of whatever size you like. Place them on a non-stick baking sheet.
4. Bake at 400 degrees until cooked, flipping half way. Most take about 25-40 minutes so flip after 20 minus. You can also grill them or pan fry them which are quicker and don’t heat the house as much. Also, if you have an air fryer, that would work well too.

Athlete Benefits

• Black beans contain powerful antioxidants that help cells throughout your body, but they are especially good at supporting eye, bone, and digestive health
• Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as copper, manganese, and antioxidants that support healthy cell function, brain health, and metabolism. Oh did I mention they also contain biotin which helps skin, hair and nails?
• Sweet potatoes have a great reputation for fighting off cancers, macular degeneration, diabetes, and heart disease. They are a nutritious source of carbohydrate that can help replace glycogen lost in training.

About Dr. A’nna

Dr. A’nna Roby is on a mission to help athletes better understand and fuel their bodies so they can achieve their best. As the only combined PhD/Registered Dietitian in the world with all Ivy League degrees, Dr. A’nna works with athletes, coaches, scientists, and innovators to help progress the field of exercise science and sports nutrition. Get in touch by emailing her at anna@drannaroby.com.