Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Make quinoa by bringing 1/4 cup quinoa and 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for around 15 minutes or until all water has absorbed. Set aside.

Step 3

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Peel garlic cloves and then smash the cloves with a knife. Add to the skillet.

Step 4

Sauté the garlic cloves for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 5

Add garlic, black beans, sunflower seeds, oats, cinnamon, and cumin to the food processor and pulse until combined.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, combine black bean mixture, onion, quinoa, and red pepper. Mix well. It may help to use your hands!

Step 7

Next, scoop 1/3 cup of veggie burger mixture (a heaping scoop) and form it into patties. It may help to slightly wet your palms in order form the patties. Repeat until all black bean mixture is gone.

Step 8

Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes, flipping burgers 10 minutes through. (

Step 9

While the burgers are baking. Prepare burger sauce by mixing all ingredients together.

Step 10

Serve each black bean burger on a hamburger bun with the burger sauce, sliced avocado, and tomato.