Vegan Black Bean Burger

Ingredients

• 1/2 large onion (chopped)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• Oil for frying
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Vegan cheese
• 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed (see notes))
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds ((see notes))
• 2/3 cup oats ((gluten-free if needed))
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce ((gluten-free if needed) or tamari)
• 3 chia eggs (or flax eggs (3 tbsp ground chia seeds + 1/4 cup water))
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or less/more to taste)
• 3/4 tsp sea salt (or less/more to taste)
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Vegan barbecue sauce ((optional))
• 4 burger buns (regular or gluten-free)
• Fresh veggies of choice (e.g. tomatoes, lettuce, onion, cucumber)
• Dressing of choice ((see notes))