Blue Cheese, Crispy Onion Rings, BBQ Kidney Bean Blended Burger

Ingredients

CRISPY RED ONION RINGS

As needed canola oil for deep frying
2 cups wondra flour
As needed salt
As needed ground black pepper
As needed cayenne
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup buttermilk

SPICY BLUE CHEESE MAYONNAISE

½ cup mayonnaise
1 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp hot sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic, grated
2 tsp parsley, chopped
2 tsp chives, chopped
1 tbsp green onions, chopped
½ tsp lemon zest
As needed, salt
As needed, ground black pepper

BBQ SPICE MIX

¾ cup brown sugar, dark
½ cup paprika, smoked
2 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp kosher salt
2 tbsp mustard powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne

BURGER

1 lb. ground Beef
3 oz. red onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tsp salt
6 tbsp BBQ Spice Mix
1 cup red Kidney beans, rinsed and drained
6 tbsp slue cheese, large crumbles

ASSEMBLY

Buns, toasted 6 ea.
BBQ Spice Mix 6 oz.
Pickles, sliced lengthwise 2 ea.
Lettuce leaves, frisee or red leaf 6 ea.

Number of Servings : 6

This BBQ blended burger features blue cheese, crispy onion rings, and BEANS. Adding beans to a burger not only reduces the amount of animal protein, but also keeps the burgers juicy!

Directions

For the Crispy Red Onion Rings: Heat oil to 350°F.
Season flour with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Soak the onions in buttermilk. Shake off the buttermilk and toss in seasoned flour.
Shake off the flour and fry for 2 to 3 minutes until crispy. Remove slices and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with additional salt, pepper, and cayenne.
For the Spicy Blue Cheese Mayonnaise: Combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
For the Burgers: Gently mix the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt and BBQ Spice Mix.
Pat the beans dry on a paper towel. Coarsely chop the beans into large pieces –do not over chop.
Gently add the beans to the beef, mixing well.
Form into six balls. Place 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese in the center Gently flatten into a thick patty.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes or more.
To Cook the Burgers: Heat an oven to 150° F to rest the burgers.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick griddle pan over medium-high heat.
Add a little oil and place the burgers on the griddle. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle with more BBQ spice and then transfer to the warm oven until the burger is cooked to the desired doneness and ready to assemble.
Slather each bun with the Spicy Blue Cheese Mayonnaise. Place lettuce on the bottom bun, top with the patty, sliced pickles, Crispy Onions, and the top bun.