The Ultimate Chili Burgers

Chili Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped (reserve ¼-1/3 for topping)
½ zucchini, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
½-1 Anaheim chile, chopped (remove seeds and white membrane for milder flavor)
1 can black beans
2 cups tomato juice
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tsp. oregano
1 tbsp. cumin
2 tbsp. red chile powder
olive oil

Guidelines:

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until onion just begins to turn translucent.

Add carrot. Sauté for about five minutes to let carrot soften, then add zucchini and Anaheim chile. Sauté for several minutes more.

Add black beans and the spices and heat through.

Add tomato juice and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Taste and adjust flavors as necessary.

Burger Ingredients:
1-1 ½ lbs. turkey burger (if you’re using beef or another red meat, the following ingredients are optional; see notes in intro)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 egg

Guidelines:
In a large bowl, combine all of the above ingredients.

Divide mixture into four equal parts. Shape the parts into patties.

Grill until done.

Other Ingredients:
cheddar cheese, grated
tortilla chips
diced onion, reserved from making the chili
hamburger buns

To Assemble:

Toast your hamburger buns.

Place hamburger patty on top of the bottom half of the bun.

Ladle a healthy serving or two of chili over the top of the patty.

Top with a handful of grated cheddar cheese.

Sprinkle with diced onion.

Top with a handful of crushed tortilla chips.

Place the top of the bun on top of everything, smoosh down, and chow.