Move over Sloppy Joes… I’ve got a protein-packed black bean-edamame mixture that is going to change your life.  I love the edamame here as it lightens up the black bean mixture, so it doesn’t taste too dense.  I love to make these for company and they are fast and easy and everyone loves them.  Did I mention these are like the healthiest “sliders” you could ever have?  PERFECT for Game Day!

ALSO GREAT FOR ANY VEGETARIANS IN THE MIX. 

I love the heat from the peppers, but then you get the sweet from the BBQ sauce…can we say flavor EXPLOSION!?

I  bring the “moni-heat” using 1 chipotle chile (in adobo sauce) AND a jalapeno pepper…plus, everything’s better with BBQ sauce, agreed?

NOTES:

• You can also make this gluten free by selecting GF crackers and buns.
• You can also use this as a sandwich spread or cracker topper if you take out the egg white.

SERVINGS

12 Sliders

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained and minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, optional (but I love the combo of heat)
• 1-2 egg whites, to mold together, see if you need 1 and then use 2 if needed.
• 1 tbs. barbecue sauce (love Primal Kitchen) for mixture, divided, (then about 3/4 cups needed for topping)
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1-2 dashes of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup cilantro, optional
• A handful of crackers (can use GF), pulse in the mixture, optional
• 1 tbs. olive oil
• 12 small gluten free, low carb dinner rolls (can use GF), split like buns or use lettuce wraps
• 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 12 slices

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add edamame, and cook for about 5 minutes. Drain.
2. Process garlic in a food processor until minced. Add edamame, black beans, chipotle chile, jalapeno pepper (if using), egg whites, cilantro (if using), 1 Tbs. barbecue sauce, cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Process until mixture forms coarse paste. Now add about 1 cup of crackers and only pulse 6-8 times.  Form into small patties, like sliders. NOTE: Once the patties are formed – you could cook them off in a grill too.
3. For Pan Cooking: Heat oil in saucepan over medium-low heat (Or Grill). Add edamame mixture, and heat until hot, flipping over and until both sides are a bit golden.
4. Spoon 1 Tbs. barbecue sauce onto each bottom bun. Top with slider, cheese, and any other toppings you like. Then place the other top bun on. Enjoy!