Meat Free Monday

One of the best things about Meat Free Monday is that it gives me the chance to use up bits out of the fridge that otherwise might get thrown away.  This week it was a solitary leek and a couple of pieces of cheese that were too small to use for anything else.

Cheesey Bean Burgers - serves 2
400g butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 leek, chopped (or 1 small onion)
1 fat clove garlic, crushed
100g grated cheese (I used a mix of Lancashire and Cheddar)
1 beaten egg
some fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
salt and pepper
Olive oil for frying

Gently fry the chopped leek or onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened but not brown.

Tip the beans into a bowl and mash to a rough paste with a fork or potato masher.  They need to retain a bit of texture so don't mash too much.

Add the cheese and cooked leeks and mix well.  Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if necessary.  Some cheeses are salty enough so you don't always need extra.

Shape the mixture into 4 burgers and chill in the fridge for 10 mins. while you make the breadcrumbs. The easiest way is in a food processor but you can also grate the bread.  Mix in the dried herbs.

Put the beaten egg into one bowl and the breadcrumbs into another.  Dip the burger first into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs to coat all over.

Fry in a little olive oil for about 5 mins. on each side until golden brown all over and serve with a nice dressed salad.

Enjoy!