Bring 1/2 cup of quinoa and 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, reduce heat and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes covered, or until all the water is absorbed. Once ready, set it aside for 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.

While the quinoa cooks, add 1 tbsp of oil to a large pan and saute the carrots, peppers and onion for 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften. After 5 minutes, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season lightly with salt u0026 pepper

Once the veggie and quinoa are ready, add the rinsed beans into a bowl and gently mash them into a paste while leaving some pieces whole.

Next add in your quinoa, veggies, spices and hot sauce and mix well with a spoon or your hands.

Pour in your bread crumbs and combine everything together until evenly incorporated. I suggest using your hands for this step to make sure everything sticks together.

Form 6 large burgers with the mixture, or about 8 medium sized ones and layer them on a tray or cutting board while you heat your pan.

Brush each side of the burger with a light layer of your favorite BBQ sauce. This step is optional, but adds a delicious smokey flavor.

Heat a large pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium heat (I used the same pan that i cooked my veggies in). Place 3 burgers in at a time and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, then flip for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Add another tbsp of oil and repeat with remaining burgers.

Serve with your favorite sides or on a bun.

The burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months.