Baked Smokey Sweet Potato Leek Burger

These are so delicious and full of flavor, you almost forget how healthy they are! They are great with a side of smashed avocado and sea salt. They have a soft texture so they will not hold up to a bun. These are great to make ahead and have for a weeknight dinner or to serve at a dinner party. They are also really nice in a mini version for an appetizer.

2 1/2 mashed sweet potato
1 tbs olive or coconut oil
1 leek sliced into half moons
1 small purple onions cut into half moons
1 clove of garlic chopped
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup almond meal
1 cup white beans (rinsed if from a can)
1 tbs ground chia or 1 egg for a non vegan option

Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. Sauté onions and leeks in a sauté pan on medium high heat until translucent then add garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and turn off heat. Then add the balsamic to deglaze the pan. In a bowl place the mashed sweet potato, ground almond, white beans, chia, and the leeks and onion mixture and mix well. Place the bowl in the fridge for a half hour . Use a 1/2 cup to mold for the burgers. Bake the burgers for 15 minutes then flip them with a large spatula and cook the burgers for another 15 minutes. Makes 6 burgers.