Recipe: Black Bean and Basmati Rice Burgers (vegan)

BLACK BEAN AND BASMATI RICE BURGERS

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup uncooked white basmati rice*
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch ground cayenne pepper
2 drops liquid smoke flavoring**
3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
Canola oil (for frying)
FOR SERVING:
Burger buns and toppings of choice

In a medium sized pot, add the beans, rice, 2 cups water and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently during the last 5 minutes. If the rice isn't tender yet, add another 1/4 cup water and continue cooking and stirring until the water is absorbed. The mixture should be very soft and well combined. Remove the pan from the heat.

When the bean mixture is cool enough to handle, form into 8 patties. Coat the patties with bread crumbs.

Fry the patties on a heavy skillet with a little canola oil. It should take about 4 minutes per side.

Stick patties in the buns, top them with whatever you want, and eat!

*Basmati rice is a fragrant white rice that should be easy to find.

**The Liquid smoke in this recipe is important and adds considerably to the flavor of the burgers. Look in the spice section of your grocery store. A small bottle will last a long time.

Makes about 8 burgers
Adapted from source: The Vegan Gourmet by Susann Geiskopf-Hadler and Mindy Toomay
From: Peggy, WA - 11-24-97