Black Bean & Rice Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 – 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed & drained
• 3 cups 4Sisters cooked brown rice (can use white rice, if preferred); cook rice according to package
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small yellow onion)
• 1 red bell pepper (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 4 tsp. fresh minced garlic
• 2 jalapeños, seeded, ribs removed, finely chopped
• 2 tbls. olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup plain Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbls. red chili paste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbls. ground cumin
• 1 tbls. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. coarse black pepper
• 4 tbls. vegetable oil, for frying
• Hamburger buns & desired burger toppings

Instructions

1. Cook 4Sisters brown rice according to package directions. When the rice is done, remove 3 cups, spread onto a flat pan & let cool.
2. While the rice is cooking, sauté the onion, garlic, & jalapeño in 2 tbls. olive oil until onion is tender.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the bread crumbs, red chili paste, beaten eggs, cumin, balsamic vinegar, salt, & pepper. Add the cooled 3 cups brown rice & sauteed onion mixture to the large mixing bowl of spices. Mix well.
4. Place about 2/3 of the entire mixture into a food processor and process until all incorporated and paste like. Add processed bean mixture back to mixing bowl with remaining unprocessed bean mixture.
5. Shape bean mixture into patties. In a large skilliet, cook bean patties on medium high heat in vegetable oil, 3-4 minutes per side, do not crowd the pan with too many patties at a time. Refrigerate mixture day before for optimal flavor!