Beans, Beans, They're good for your heart...

I’ve figured out the equation for making amazing bean burgers while living here (cant get away from beans! So instead of having rice and beans all day every day, I’ve done a lot of experimenting).  They are easy and healthy and you can make them with whatever you happen to have in your pantry.  Here is the general equation and some of my favorite combinations…again, no measurements:

Mashed Beans	+	Finely Chopped (sautéed if you want) Vegetables	+	Egg	+	Carbohydrate Binder	+	Seasonings
Lentils	+	Carrots Onions Garlic	+	Egg	+	Brown Rice	+	Curry Powder Garam Masala Salt/Pepper Red Pepper Flakes
Black Beans	+	Onions Garlic Peppers	+	Egg	+	Bread Crumbs	+	Taco Seasoning Or…Cumin Red Pepper Flakes Salt/Pepper
Red Beans	+	Onions Garlic	+	Egg	+	Oats	+	Italian Seasoning Salt/Pepper

Just mash everything together (if you have a food processor, just throw everything in minus the egg…throw that in later).  Keep adding the carbohydrate of your choice until the mixture has a good dense consistency that can easily be formed into patties. I use ground oats for the most healthful option, but I’ve also used matzo meal (a lovely Passover gift from my mom!).  If you’re using brown rice, you might need to add some extra breadcrumbs or oats to soak up the excess moisture.

Form into patties and coat with a little more bread crumbs/oats/etc. and let set in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

These patties can be sautéed in a pan, but I prefer to bake them.  Put them on a lightly greased cooking sheet and bake at 350 until golden brown, turning the patties over after about 15 minutes.  Patties will take about 30 minutes to cook, but check them as they go.