First Meatless Monday Recipe: "Burgers"

For my first Meatless Monday recipe, I would like to share with you the first meatless recipe I tried. My mother-in-law sent me the recipe and when I shared it with the hubby he was a bit sceptical about it. Being the carnivore he is the thought of a meal without meat wasn't a thought he liked. So, when my mother-in-law (a fellow vegan) came to visit we thought we would give it a go. That dinner forever changed Burger Night in the McDonald household. They were AMAZING! So here's the recipe, I hope you give it a chance and love it as much as we do.

BEAN BURGERS

15-oz can black beans (or any style bean you have on hand), drained and rinsed
1 small onion finely diced
1/4 black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/3 c instant oats*
1/2 c rice (cooked, prepare according to packaging)
1 tbls ketchup, or diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), or bbq sauce, or mustard...whatever you would like in your burger go for it.

In a mixing bowl, mash black beans with a fork until mostly pureed but still some half beans and bean parts are left. Then mix in oats and onions all remaining ingredients until well combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties with your hands. Cook *(see notes)*. Place burger on bun, top with whatever veggies, cheese, condiments you want. Enjoy

****How you cook them is up to you. I have fried them in a small amount of olive oil, grilled them, and baked them and they are all equally delicious.

****If you only have rolled oats, chop them up in a food processor or blender so they are smaller and more like instant oats. Rolled oats left whole tend to make the burgers fall apart.

****If the patties feel like they might fall apart after shaping them toss them in the freezer for about 15 minutes and they will be fine.

You can change this recipe up to make tons of style of burgers. A little cumin and chili powder for taco burgers. Or maybe, garbanzo beans for a falafal style burger. Have fun with it!