Tailgate Recipes Part 1

For many Americans, the fall season means one thing: football! Tailgating is a tradition that goes hand-in-hand with game day, bringing together friends and fans to get excited for kickoff. With tailgating comes the responsibility of bringing something your whole group will enjoy. But what should you make if you’re looking for something both delicious and nutritious?
If you have the time before game day to do some prep work, you can make some truly impressive dishes. Burgers are a classic tailgate recipe, but might not fit everyone’s dietary habits. These sweet potato black bean sliders are vegan but don’t skimp on flavor. If you want to learn how to make them stay tuned. 

Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook Time: 1 ½ hours | Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 2 large Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  • 1 cup canned Black Beans, thoroughly rinsed and dried
  • 1 cup cooked Brown Rice
  • ½ cup Onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (or sweetener of choice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut sweet potatoes in half. Rub with olive oil and place face down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until soft to the touch, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool and reduce oven heat to 375 F.
  2. While the potatoes are baking, measure out and organize your other ingredients. 
  3. Add black beans to a mixing bowl and mash half of them for texture. Scoop the flesh of the sweet potatoes out of the skin and into the bowl and mix. 
  4. Add the rice, onion, walnuts, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, chipotle, and maple syrup. Thoroughly mix until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be wet, but hold its shape when handled. 
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and line a 1/4 cup measuring cup with plastic wrap.
  6. Fill the lined measuring cup with the sweet potato mixture. Scrape down to pack, then turn out onto the baking sheet. Gently press down, to around ½ inch thickness. Repeat for the remaining mixture.
  7. Bake the sliders for 35 minutes, carefully flipping after 20 minutes in to ensure even cooking. 
  8. Once the sliders are cooked, they can be enjoyed right away or saved for later. They will last for 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer. 

Tips

  • Serve the burgers as is or on mini rolls with your favorite toppings and condiments
  • For reheating later, the burgers can be warmed in the oven, on the stovetop, or on a grill. 
  • If you’ll be transporting the burgers, make sure you read up on our food safety blog!
Recipes