I had a sweet potato plantain kind of weekend.
Seriously. That’s how good it was.
Check it:
I ran a 5 mile race on Sunday. Where I not only kept at a sub 9 minute mile pace, but lowered my pace from two weeks ago by 20 seconds. And this was after running 9 miles on Saturday. To say I was glowing. Was an understatement.
I effervesced.
And then to add happiness to happiness, one of my friends from college was in for the weekend. And I’m pretty sure we laughed harder than I’ve laughed since I visited my college roommate in San Francisco. (Are you seeing a trend?)
It made me nostalgic.
It made me want to move back to my favorite city in the world (Boston). (Then again…so does everything.)
And it put me in such a good mood that I felt like the only thing to do to keep the good times rolling was to eat plantains and sweet potatoes in one day. At one meal, even.
Can you imagine anything more perfect?
Luckily for me, the awesome folks over at Alexia Foods have given me an excuse to eat sweet potatoes (and/or regular potatoes!) at every meal for the next month.
You see, I have been selected to participate in the Alexia Foods “Reinvent A Classic” challenge! This requires me to create a new fun flavor idea for Alexia Foods to add to their frozen fry repertoire. I can use white or sweet potatoes, with a crinkle, waffle, julienne, or wedge cut. The final submissions are due by July 20th, at which point the entries will be tested in the Alexia Foods kitchen, with the top four finalists being sent to the Foodbuzz Festival in November. The winner will then be selected by YOU via a vote on the Alexia Foods facebook page.
A bunch of my favorite bloggers are also participating and I’m super excited to see what everyone comes up with. I’m also super excited to have an excuse to eat fries every day and also to include you guys in the process! I’ve got a ton of ideas and I’ll definitely need feedback from you to determine which is my final submission so please feel free to try the fry recipes and tell it to me straight – like, dislike, need to have every day, or never want to eat ever again.
Honesty is the best policy, people. I can take it.
The first runner up is these honey lime chipotle sweet potato fries, which I found to be absolutely addictive. The honey lime flavor, especially when combined with a hint of salt, keeps you coming back for more while the spice from the chipotle chili powder gives your taste buds that perfect combination of pain and pleasure. Ideal for pairing with just about any burger…but especially these plantain black bean burgers which also contain that winning sweet savory spicy flavor combo.
Happy summer weekends never tasted so good.
**Before you go, please check out my guest post over at Cara’s Cravings!
Black Bean and Plantain Burgers
Makes 4, adapted from Veggie By Season
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 overly ripe plantains, one mashed, the other diced
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup minced cilantro
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 cup cornmeal
salt and pepper to taste
1. Add half the beans and the mashed plantains to a food processor. Puree.
2. Pour into a large bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Grab about 1/4 of the burger mix and form it into a patty. It will be VERY loose. Put it on the pan. Repeat with remaining burger mix so that you have 4 patties. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Carefully flip the patties and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Serve on top of a tortilla or a bed or lettuce or both!
Honey Lime Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries
Serves 1 gluttonous sweet potato eater, an Eats Well With Others Original
1 medium sweet potato, julienned
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
1. Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, lime juice, salt and chili powder. Put the julienned sweet potato sticks in a large ziploc bag. Pour the honey lime mix into the bag and shake until all of the sweet potato fries are coated.
3. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
*I am being financially compensated for my services in the “Reinvent a Classic” campaign by Alexia Foods.
Looking for more burger recipes? Check out these posts:
Brie and Granny Smith Turkey Burgers
The Lola Burger
Black Bean Swiss Burgers with BBQ Onions
Beef and Gorgonzola Burgers
Chickpea Pumpkin Burgers
I am submitting this to:
Meatless Mondays hosted by Chaya of My Sweet and Savory
Maniac Meatless Mondays hosted by Rebecca Jean of Midnight Maniac
Souper Sundays hosted by by Deb of Kahakai Kitchen
Get Grillin’ with Family Fresh Cooking and Cookin’ Canuck, sponsored by Ile de France Cheese, Rösle, Emile Henry, Rouxbe and ManPans.
dude. i want those fries. you know i’m just a bus ride away…
what a neat contest! i must try these recipes and vote for you. how exciting!!
oh, and congrats on the race! i was out in CP running along the course – how inspiring!
WOW! Who needs meat when you can have a burger like that! You should start your own food truck! LOL! Those burgers look amazing and the fries- well they are better than any I have ever seen!
I’m going to nick that recipe for honey lime sweet potato fries, and when my guests rave about it, I’m going to say ‘oh, it’s just something I found on the web…. by Joanne!’
Oooooh! I just love how those gorgeous veg burgers are so crispy on the outside, and then in the last photo you can just tell how moist they are from all the wonderful plantain… *dreamy sigh* AMAZINGNESS!! and congratulations on your awesome running accomplishments!! *high five!!* and, I love love sweet potato fries, and these look like The Best Ever!!! 🙂
This is quite amazing, Joanne. Thanks for the inspiration!
Teasing me with plantains again are you? But dang those fries sound (and look!) good! Especially love the last photo.
I want this meal for dinner every day. And lunch, too.
And you’re off and “running” with those delicious looking fries. Good luck!
Best,
Bonnie
I look forward to following you on your sweet potato fry journey. They are one of my favourites, but to be honest, I have never made them at home.
But these burgers look fabulous. They sell plantains so close to where I live, and this looks like a wonderful way to use them! 🙂
Vert creative Joanne. I’ve got to “get me some” plantains:D
That’s a winner in my book. Definitely!
Those fries sound delicious, and they are the longest fries I have ever seen:)
I love the look of those sweet potato fries. What a great recipe variation on a great vegetable, I’ll definitely have to give these a try.
If I could leave work right now and go home to make this I would. To make myself feel better I’m printing out the recipe to post on my fridge and make ASAP.
I have to say I miss Boston too. (Not the winters though.) and I miss my roomie from college as well. It was nice to see her recently but we dont’ see eachother often enough.
And I LOOOVE Alexia products so I’m going to check out the challenge (and your guest post).
Dawn
http://www.floridacoastalcooking.com
Oh my, I loooove sweet potatoes and plantains! What a delicious looking meal. You never cease to amaze me. Good luck with the challenge!!
WOW… this meal has my name all over it. And by that I mean I want to stuff it in my face right.now. This looks like such an incredible dish and those fries?! Honey-lime-chipotle?! Well, I’m pretty sure if they become the next Alexia flavor that is great danger I could eat a whole bag in one sitting.
I’ve done black beans in a burger, but not with plantains. What a super combo. But those sweet potato fries take the prize today!
Yay! We are in the Alexia event together!! This is fun huh!
This burger & those fries look amazing….
It is vegetarian week at Get Grillin’ we would love if you submitted up to any 3 recipes (they don’t have to be grilled) to our link up. This one would be perfect!
This week we have a ManPans giveaway. http://su.pr/3GCtXU
HA!! I have sweet potato fries on my blog today as well!! I guess great minds lovev sweet potatoes 🙂 Good luck with the contest! I will keep checking in on your fry development process!
There’s no way these can suck! I think you may have motivated me to start running again…seriously what a great weekend.
Wow! I just came across your site and love your food and ideas! I love a burger when its not meat! Thanks 🙂
umm, can i come for a visit? and you make me these? because this is fantastic.
and congrats on the run!!! actually both runs, that is fantastic 🙂
I want to effervesce! And I’d love to do it over some sweet potatoes w/ honey and lime. I tried roasting some new reds with olive oil, garlic, and oregano last night. I’m 0/100. I swear, I cannot get the kids on board with potatoes. I even gave them ketchup (GAH), but no go. I will get them to like them, I will *SHAKES FISTS IN THE AIR* some day.
i’m sorry did you write something with this post? i couldn’t find it or see it because of the sweet potato fries that have honey and lime on them.
That is some good running you did over the weekend! Way to go! I have been meaning to post my black bean burgers….yours look fantastic. Great idea with the ripe plantains, and who doesn’t like sweet potato fries? You really kicked up the flavor, double yum!
This looks really awesome, especially those gorgeous sweet potato fries. And can I just ask–when are you NOT running a race?? =)
I definitely think you should move to Boston – and then you can make this for me…I’ll even buy the ingredients and be so patient while you take pictures 🙂
HOW EXCITING FOR YOU!!!!
Keep us informed, of course you will get my vote.
I think i will be making these tonight. I love sweet potato fries!
Une recette pleine de saveurs.
J’aime beaucoup.
A très bientôt.
Yum, yum, yum! Black beans, sweet potatoes, plantains…that’s my kinda anyday!! Sounds awesome, great creation =)
Excuse me a second, while I wipe the drool from my keyboard!!!! Holy crap this looks good!!
I’ve never tried plantains, but this definitely looks good!
Whoa, what an ingenious combination — lime, chipotle and sweet potato. I will try this tonight (for once, I have all the ingredients on hand!). And congrats on your new running milestone – impressive!
Joanne, MY GOODNESS! WOW! I’m speechless……….. (10 minutes later). WOW! I am currently experimenting with veganism (I’m just a vegetarian) and when I first saw the photos (not the wordings yet), I was like, ohhh man it looks like it is meat! Then after reading it, I was surprised that it is ALL vegan! Wow! This is just amazing! I’m totally already printing the recipe now. I’m sooo going to try this soon. I also LOVE the sweet potato fries you posted! That is just wonderful! Thanks a lot for sharing this, Joanne!
You are such a creative kitchen goddess! Those sweet potato fries look extremely delicious.
Those fries look delicious. I want to go ahead and declare them winners already. I’m glad you had such a great weekend and time catching up with old friends. I love seeing my old roommates from college, too. Such fun times.
Absolutely love the burgers, totally yummy and protein packed, healthy and beautiful ~ sweet potato fries are my hubby’s fav will try your version for sure 🙂
US Masala
Beans and plantains are so perfect together – I love the idea of combining them in a burger!
Girl, you are impressive! I can’t run that fast and I really haven’t been training for it lately, hehe. But a sweet potato and plantain weekend sounds like fun 😀
Damn that looks tasty! Plantains into a burger – well yes please! Just had another friend grill them – brushed with brown sugar and some hot pepper… totally want some now! And the fries – if only it wasn’t 90 degrees – think that one will have to wait till fall – or maybe… foil packets!!!
What a lovely, healthy, deeelicious burger, Joanne. 🙂 You made me so happy with these fries too – love that color. 🙂
Ohhhh you are such a bad ass! Crushing those runs! I’m so jealous, I’ve turned into a fatty pants lately. This meal looks AMAZING! I’ve always been too chicken to cook with plantains.
wow Joanne that looks great, love the idea of honey lime chipotle fries.
I was just reading about this challenge on Reeni’s blog — so excited that you’re participating too! It sounds like so much fun and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Those sweet potato fries look like the perfect side for ANYTHING! YUM!
Those fries look beyond amazing! What a fun challenge!
oh my goodness, i need to try this! last summer i fried plaintains for the first time and fell in love. i love how you reinvented this, but with really streamlined combinations of flavors and ingredients! amazing!
I am lover, addict of plantain especially ripe ones, this burger sounds delicious with beautiful sweet potato fries.
mmmm… sweet potato fries are my latest addiction. i spent the whole weekend over eating them. so good!
Oh what a great reinvention! I can see myself munching on those fries all day Joanne!
Those fries sound delish! The running sounds awesome…I’m more of an 11 minute mile myself 😛
Wow I’ve had a few mediocre packaged black bean burgers and never really thought I’d want another one but you’ve just made me do a double take! These look ah-mazing!
My goodness!! for real. This sounds delicious and very healthy. Blessings, Catherine xo
Let me see if I’ve got this straight: you ran 9 miles on saturday and then another 5 miles on sunday??? You’re my hero!
That dish look delicious!
?
Camila Faria
Looks so good. I love sweet potatoes with a bit of spice – it just brings out the sweetness so well. Can’t wait to see all of your sweet potato recipes.
i’ve been seeing bean burgers recipes like NONE OTHER around these parts! what’s up with that! also congrats on the run ANDDD congrats on the double run! amazing 🙂
Amazing meal!! I just had veggie burgers tonight, I’ll never get tired of new recipes for them :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Oh those fries! This entire meal looks amazing- so many flavors to enjoy. 🙂 Congratulations on your run and good luck in the contest!
You know, Joanne, you’ve just reminded me of this Cuban plantain dish.. Tostone. I have been so curious about the Tostone and seeing your plantain burger makes me more determined to do something about my curiosity.
I love the sound of your spicy, tart and sweet french fries! The perfect companion for you unique black bean burger! I had one for lunch too with some experimental fries!
You know I support your move back to Boston. 😉 Let me know if you ever need help looking for a place.
And this recipe… oh it has me drooling all over my computer screen. Just the kind of food I’d love to eat this summer.
It’s not easy to reinvent the classic. This is meatlessly wonderful!
The chipotle ones are my Alexia favorite!!! I love their fries. I found the secret to making them crispy and I’m mighty proud of myself.
I haven’t seen other blogs with this contest though. Good thing, since I’m voting for you anyway.
I love the idea of a 5 mile race- but a sub 9 minute mile sounds like lightening fast to me right now. I miss running fast!
I’m also doing the challenge. I know you’ll come up something amazing, look at your dish above seriously FEED ME!
I don’t think I have to make these to tell you they are amazing. How can you top these fries, girl? I’m drooling over here. This meal is so what I need on my plate right now. Good luck with the contest–with fries like these, I don’t see how you CAN’T win.
not a bean or plantain fan at all .. but hubby is .. and a HUGE FAN. I have to make this for him sometime. This looks delicious specially the sweet potatoes
What a creative way to come out with this dish!
These fries might be a contender–what a great flavor combination. Loving the burger too–thanks for sending it to Souper Sundays. 😉
WOW, Joanne. I love to see what new things you come up with when I come here, but WOW. I think you’ve reached new heights! First of all, congrats on being chosen to participate in this contest! Second, those black bean burgers look delicious! I’ve only ever had plantains sliced and deep fried, so this new take has me happy 🙂 Third, while the burgers look good, my eyes are riveted to those crispy, tangy, sweet fries. Ooh, baby. Are you still working on other fries? Because I would totally vote for these right now. Just sayin’.
Mmm.
how freaky – I had some roasted chickpeas tonight with almost exactly the same flavours as your chips so I am sure the chips are excellent – and the burgers sound excellent too
Plantain burger is one of the most original vegetarian burger I have ever seen! Well done!
Had a big smile while reading about the sweet potatoes serving “one gluttonous eater”!!
Plantain, Lime, Chipotle and Sweet Potato Fries – Joanne, SERIOUSLY? You rock!!!
Black bean and plantain burgers…love the sound of that combination! I love how cornmeal and plantain takes the place of the standard, plain old bread crumb starch.
A weekend filled with friends, laughter, sweet potatoes, and burgers sounds like a great one to me too!
Congrats on being selected to come up with a new flavor for Alexia! My kids love their sweet potato fries, so I can’t wait to see all the new flavor entries. I love the combination you came up with – honey, lime and chipotle sound like they naturally go together!
Oh wow. Oh wow. PLease could you cook this for me for supper?
Plantain isn’t too easy to find down Dalston way, but I will have a look. All sounds fiery and delicious!
This is such a fun sounding contest! I can’t wait to see what else you and the other bloggers come up with. If these Honey Lime Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries are any indication, we are definitely in for a treat!
Oh my, oh my. Plantain burgers. My mouth is watering at seven in the morning.
I think I can just have with that bowl of fries- they look so addictive.I never thought of plantain burgers- the combo with black beans sounds so good.You come up with great looking and thoughtful recipes everytime-keep it up 🙂
LOVE plantains, love sweet potato fries…love this dish! Well done!
Cool to know you’re another one of the bloggers doing this recipe testing! We’re right there with you. Great flavor idea. It was one of our’s too. 🙂
Apparently SOME people effervesce, but some of us just sweat. Fabulous food AND effervescence? – you’re making the rest of us look bad. But truthfully, I hope you never, ever stop.
first class meal love sweet potato fries
Joanne your pictures are sensational!
The fries sound so tasty! I love the use of flavours in this dish 🙂
I am so glad that you enjoyed a sweet potato plantain kind of a weekend! That is a great looking burger and fry combo! Healthy and tasty!
If only I start running…I can be as slender and perfect as those fries 🙂
Oh man this looks delicious!
Look amazing!! gloria
I’m a sucker for sweet potato fries. They go with anything and everything. The perfect food. 😉
Beautiful! I don’t eat plaintains very often, and I never work with them at home. I need to change this. I’m glad you had such a good race this weekend. too. Thank you for sharing your creative spirit with me. I love ending my day with your blog. I hope you have a beautiful Tuesday. Much love from Austin!
Those fries sound absolutely amazing. I’ve got to try them out!
honely,lime and chipolte..heavenly mix for sweet potatoes. the burger flavors are spot on for the summer meals!! thank you for sharing, glad you had a great run!
bonnie
sweetlife
Both the burgers and the fries and sauce appeal to me in a big way~
Love that third shot of the sweet potatoes. In India, they’re just cream coloured!
Sit down if you’re standing.
I’m trying a “meatless Monday” not this week but next. Hopefully I won’t fall over dead.
your crust isn’t golden, it’s black! and i like it! love the fries too–perfect pairing.
What an original recipe & your photos are really lovely. Thanks so much for sharing this in our Get Grillin’ event.
I’ve actually had this recipe bookmarked for a while, so thanks for the reminder! This would be my son’s favorite thing ever, since he is obsessed with black beans and sweet potatoes and can eat plantains like they’re going out of style.
You know how I feel about plantains – these look awesome! Bookmarked 🙂
delicious combination looks wonderful
I believe I saw these burgers on Ashlee’s blog forever ago and I promised I would make them right then. I guess I’m not too good at standing by my word. So thanks for re-introducing them to me! I really need to make them soon. With a pile of yummy honey lime chipotle sweet potato (or butternut squash) fries, of course 🙂
PROPS on the race, girl! To drop your pace that much in 2 weeks is insane! Woop! Woop!
And I don’t know which I want to bite into first…hmm. What I do know is that I’ve been looking for a black bean burger recipe that I trust to make…this one is it! I love everything you whip up…nothing has failed me yet!
Congrats on your race running achievements!! 🙂 This looks like the perfect meal!