WHITE BEAN VEGGIE BURGERS

Looking for a new burger to try at your next grill out? Well leave the beef in the fridge and grab a can of beans! That's right- go vegetarian tonight! Get a boost of veggies and protein with a mixture of rice, beans, corn, and bell peppers and a hit a flavor with a blend of zesty seasonings. These burgers are easy to make and even easier to eat!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup red bell pepper (about 1/2 a pepper), diced
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup corn
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
15oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
extra virgin olive oil
buns, cheese, condiments, and other burger fixins'

DIRECTIONS:
-Cook brown rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
-warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium low heat.
-Add red bell pepper, onion, and garlic to pan and cooked 5-7 minutes until onions start to become transparent.
-In a large bowl, mash the beans with a potato masher until pasty.
-To the beans, add the red pepper mixture, corn, cooked rice, parsley, seasonings, breadcrumbs, and egg.
-Mix ingredients until combined.
-Take a 1/2 cup measuring cup to measure out the burgers.
-Mold into burger shape. Makes 6 burgers.
-Let the burger patties sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 24 hours before cooking.
-Heat the grill to about 400 degrees and grill burgers approximately 10 minutes per side.
-Serve on a bun with select condiments, and enjoy!


SHOUT OUTS:These burgers are my own version of the delicious veggie burger I always get just down the road at Pub Bricco.

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-Try the burger with black beans too!
-Mix in some grated zucchini or squash with the burger mixture for added health benefits
-Like your bean burgers spicy? Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeno, a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
-Weather not cooperating? Forget the grill and cook the burgers on the stove.
-If your afraid of your burgers sticking, lightly spray the grill with a non-stick spray or grease it down with a paper towel dipped in olive oil.
-Freeze an uncooked burger and save for a later date! Just make sure to separate each patty with wax paper or cling wrap before freezing. Defrost and heat on the grill or stove.
-Can't eat eggs? Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce instead!
-Make the burgers quicker by using a microwavable package of brown rice like Minute Rice Cups or Uncle Ben's Rice Bags.