Irresistible BBQ Black Bean & Sweet Potato Sliders with Crispy Shallots
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with these incredibly satisfying BBQ Black Bean and Sweet Potato Sliders, topped with addictively crispy shallots. While often associated with game day feasts, these mini marvels are a fantastic addition to any menu, any time of year. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering, seeking a healthy yet hearty dinner, or simply craving something delightfully different, these vegan and gluten-free friendly sliders are guaranteed to impress. They perfectly blend the smoky sweetness of BBQ with the earthy goodness of black beans and sweet potatoes, elevated by the textural magic of golden, crunchy shallots.
Crafting these sliders involves a little bit of love and effort, but every moment spent in the kitchen will be rewarded with an unparalleled culinary experience. The depth of flavor and texture achieved is truly remarkable, making them worth every step. To streamline your cooking process, consider preparing some of the components in advance. Roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the brown rice a day or two beforehand can significantly cut down on assembly time, allowing you to whip up these delicious bites with greater ease when hunger strikes. This recipe builds upon a beloved base used in our Smokey Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burgers, a combination we’ve found to be consistently outstanding.
While some regions may still be experiencing the chill of winter, the warmer temperatures here have us eagerly gravitating towards lighter, more vibrant spring and summer dishes. Gone are the days of heavy stews and soups; it’s time to embrace the fresh flavors and ease of grilling, salads, and meals that feel bright and invigorating. These sliders are a testament to that shift, offering a delightful balance that feels right at home on a sunny patio or as a refreshing meal indoors. They embody the spirit of warmer weather eating: flavorful, versatile, and utterly delicious.
BBQ Black Bean & Sweet Potato Sliders with Crispy Shallots (Vegan)
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- Yield: 12-14 Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup brown rice, dry
- 4 cups peeled and diced sweet potato (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, plus more for cooking the sliders
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs (gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Slider-sized buns (gluten-free if necessary)
- Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, coleslaw, BBQ Sauce
Crispy Shallots:
- 2 large shallots
- Unsweetened almond milk (1-2 cups)
- 1/2 cup flour (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Cook the brown rice according to package directions. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Roast the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 40 minutes.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans to a food processor and pulse until they are mostly blended but still retain some texture and chunkiness. Avoid over-processing them into a smooth puree. Transfer the processed black beans to a large mixing bowl. Repeat this pulsing process separately with the cooked brown rice and then with the roasted sweet potatoes, adding each to the bowl with the black beans.
- To the large bowl containing the black bean, rice, and sweet potato mixture, add the remaining ingredients for the slider patties: bread crumbs, ketchup, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), and ground cumin. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. For best results and an even consistency, using your hands is often the most effective way to blend the ingredients.
- Once the mixture is ready, form it into slider-sized patties. The exact number will depend on your desired size, but this recipe typically yields 12-14 sliders. Place the formed patties on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. For firmer patties that hold their shape better during cooking, you can refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. Alternatively, you can proceed directly to cooking them immediately.
- To cook the sliders, heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Coat the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of olive oil. Carefully place the slider patties into the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary). Cook the sliders for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through, nicely browned, and have developed a slight crispness on the exterior.
- You can prepare the crispy shallots either before or after cooking your sliders. Begin by thinly slicing the shallots and placing them into a bowl. Pour unsweetened almond milk over the shallots, ensuring they are fully submerged, and let them soak for approximately 10 minutes. In a separate shallow dish or plate, combine the flour and paprika.
- After soaking, remove the shallots from the almond milk, shaking off any excess liquid. Toss the shallots in the flour and paprika mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated. Heat a clean large pan with 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add a single layer of coated shallots to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Allow them to cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and beautifully crispy. Remove the cooked shallots from the pan, place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess oil, and sprinkle immediately with salt. Repeat this process with the remaining shallots until all are cooked to crispy perfection.
- Assemble your delicious sliders! Place each warm slider patty on a bun. Pile high with your favorite optional toppings such as fresh shredded cabbage, creamy coleslaw, a generous drizzle of tangy BBQ Sauce, and, of course, a crowning layer of those irresistible crispy shallots. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Category: Appetizer, Entree, Gluten Free, Vegan
These BBQ Black Bean & Sweet Potato Sliders are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures—from the tender, savory patty to the sweet, soft bun and the glorious crunch of the crispy shallots. The vibrant flavors are complex yet comforting, making them suitable for a wide range of palates, including those with dietary restrictions. They prove that plant-based eating can be incredibly exciting and deeply satisfying without compromising on taste or enjoyment.
Whether you’re serving them as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering, a fun and easy weeknight dinner for the family, or as a creative addition to your meal prep, these sliders are designed for versatility. Pair them with a fresh green salad, some sweet potato fries, or even a light fruit salad for a complete and wholesome meal. Their ability to be made ahead of time makes them a fantastic option for busy individuals looking for nutritious and flavorful options.
Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps; each one contributes to the incredible final product. And remember, the joy of cooking lies in the process as much as the outcome. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and immerse yourself in creating these delightful sliders. You’ll be glad you did, and your guests (or just your hungry self!) will thank you for such a memorable and delicious meal.
