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Vegetarian Mexican Burger Menu

Whether or not you're a vegetarian, you won't miss the meat in this flavorful Mexican-inspired menu. Like this menu? Become a member for access to thousands of recipes and menu ideas!This hearty, spiced black bean burger is not your average veggie burger. Top it off with a cool tomatillo & avocado salsa and even the most ardent carnivores will be singing its praises. Round out your meal with smoky grilled vegetable tacos drizzled with a fresh and unexpected cilantro pesto. And end the evening with warm cinnamon-sugar bananas curled up next to a scoop of ice cream and topped with bourbon and toasted pecans.

the menu

Mexican Black Bean Burgers Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa Grilled Vegetable Tacos with Cilantro Pesto Grilled Cinnamon-Sugar Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream & Bourbon

Shopping List

Fresh Produce: 4 bananas, ripe but not overly soft 1 large ripe avocado 1 medium tomatillo 1 small poblano chile 1 small Serrano chile 1 small head garlic 1 bunch scallions 1 large bunch fresh cilantro

Dairy & Eggs: 1 large egg 3⁄4 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese or feta (optional)

Other Groceries: 15-oz. can black beans Eight 6-inch corn tortillas 1 loaf whole-grain bread (only 1 slice is needed) 1 pint best-quality vanilla ice cream 3/4 cup pecan pieces 2 Tbs. pine nuts 2 Tbs. best-quality bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve 1⁄2 tsp. pure chile powder, such as ancho or New Mexico

Pantry Staples: 1⁄2 cup sunflower or vegetable oil 3 Tbs. olive oil 1 Tbs. granulated sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin Kosher salt Black peppercorns

Menu Timeline

Up to 2 days ahead: Make and refrigerate the Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa. Make and refrigerate the Cilantro Pesto.

Up to 4 hours ahead: Make and refrigerate black bean patties (do not cook). Slice the vegetables for the taco filling, refrigerate until ready to grill. Toast the pecan pieces and store in an airtight container.

Up to an hour before: Grill, slice, and season the vegetables, keep warm or allow to come to room temperature.

Just before serving dinner: Cook the black bean burgers. Warm the corn tortillas. Assemble the tacos.

After dinner: Slice the bananas and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

Just before serving dessert: Grill the bananas, and allow to cool slightly. Peel and serve bananas with ice cream, bourbon, and pecans.

photo: Scott Phillips