Spicy Bean and Bac*n Burgers

Ingredients

1 Packet NEXT! Bac*n style slices (chopped small)
2 tsp oil of your choice
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (finely chopped/minced)
1 tbsp pickled jalapeño peppers (leave if you want to reduce spice amount)
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
1 tin green lentils (rinsed/drained)
1 tin black beans (rinsed/drained)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a high heat. Add the onion and sweat until soft (but not browned). Add the garlic and chopped NEXT! Bac*n style slices and fry for a further 2-3 minutes (do not over-crisp the Bac*n). Stir in the spices, season generously with salt and cook for a further minute. Remove from heat.

1. Add the onion and Bac*n mixture (once cooled) and the black beans to an electric mixer (if you don't have one, mash the beans well and mix by hand). Pulse to combine, but don't over-mix, you want some texture. 

2. Transfer mixture into a large bowl and add the lentils and salt and pepper.

3. Mix well with wet hands

4. Divide and shape into patties (small=crunchier, bigger=more moist). Allow to chill in the fridge for 30mins or more for best results.

5. Heat a frying pan with oil, add the patties and fry for around 2 minutes on each side. 

6. Transfer the patties to a baking tray and cook in the oven for 10 minutes (5 mins if patties are small) on 200C/180C Gas mark 6. 

Optional - Fry the Bac*n separately and enjoy whole, on top of your burger