Heart Smart Veggie Burgers

I’m not gonna tell you that these burgers are anything like the real thing, because I’d be lying. There is simply no substitute for a juicy beef burger…but this is a close facsimile that is a LOT healthier.

Ingredients (4 burgers)

·      

   4 Tbps extra-virgin olive oil, divided

·         1 med onion, chopped

·         4 cloves garlic, minced

·         ¼ tsp cumin

·         ¼ tsp fresh ground sea salt

·         ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper

·         1-14 oz can no salt black beans, drained and rinsed

·         ½ cup cooked brown rice

·         ¼ cup cooked oatmeal (dry cooked, not soggy)

·         Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

·         2 Tbps whole-grain wheat flour

Preparation

·        

 Sauté onion & garlic in 2 Tbps of oil until turning opaque.

·         Add cumin, salt, pepper, beans, rice and oatmeal and sauté another 3-4 minutes.

·         Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and let sit another 2 minutes.

·         In food processor, pulse the bean mixture 4 or 5 times until blended but with a semi-rough texture.

·         Form the bean mixture into patties and very lightly dust with flour. Set aside

·         Preheat another sauté pan with the 2 remaining Tbps of oil. Sauté the burgers for 2-3 minutes on both side until browned and serve with all your favorite burger trimmings.

“I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes”…hold the fries :)