Follow these steps for perfectly delicious sweet potato veggie burgers:

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very tender and easily pierced with a knife. Let them cool slightly, then peel off the skin. Mash the flesh in a large bowl until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are okay). You should have about 1.5 to 2 cups of mashed sweet potato.
2. Sauté Aromatics: While the sweet potatoes are roasting (or cooling), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Beans: If using canned beans, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained. In a separate medium bowl, roughly mash the beans with a fork or potato masher. You want some texture, so don’t make them completely smooth.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the large bowl with the mashed sweet potato, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and the mashed beans. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Seasonings: Add the rolled oats, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro/parsley, nutritional yeast (if using), soy sauce/tamari, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the sweet potato mixture. If using a flax egg, add it now.
6. Mix Thoroughly: Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the  burgers tough. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape but still slightly moist. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or rolled oats, one tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry, a splash of water or a tiny bit more mashed sweet potato can help.
7. Chill the Mixture (Recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours (even overnight). Chilling helps the ingredients meld and makes the patties easier to form and less likely to fall apart during cooking. This step is highly recommended for the best texture.
8. Form the Patties: Once chilled, scoop out about ½ to ¾ cup of the mixture (depending on desired patty size) and form it into firm patties, about ¾-inch thick. You should get about 6-8 patties. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
9. Cook the Patties: You have a couple of options for cooking:
   • Baking (Recommended for firmness): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the patties on the prepared sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Carefully flip the patties and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
   • Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place a few patties in the skillet (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and heated through. Add more oil as needed between batches.
10. Serve: Let the  burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them firm up further. Serve on your favorite buns with all the fixings!