Sweet Potato-Pecan Burgers W/Caramelized Onions

Manami's Note:

Cooking Light Magazine, January/February 2009. Choose breads labeled 100% whole wheat or whole grain to make sure you're getting their benefits. Nuts add healthful unsaturated fats and filling protein to this tasty vegetarian sandwich. ;) As per request.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 23 mins
• Cook Time: 47 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

ONIONS

• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 3 cups sliced onions
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄8; teaspoon salt

BURGERS

• 2 ½ cups cubed peeled sweet potatoes (1/2 inch)
• cooking spray
• 2 ½ cups chopped onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup regular oats
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup chopped pecans , toasted
• 1 tablespoon canola oil , divided
• 6 boston lettuce leaves
• 6 (1 ½ ounce) 100% whole-grain buns
• 6 tablespoons chili sauce

Directions:

1. PREPARE ONIONS:.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add sliced onion to pan; sauté 12 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in vinegar, sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook 30 seconds or until vinegar is absorbed.
5. Remove onion mixture from pan; keep warm.
6. Wipe pan dry with a paper towel.
7. PREPARE THE BURGERS:.
8. Place potato in a large saucepan; cover with water.
9. Bring to a boil.
10. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until tender; drain.
11. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
12. Coat pan with cooking spray.
13. Add chopped onion and garlic to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until tender.
14. Place potato, chopped onion mixture, oats, cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a food processor; process until smooth.
15. Place potato mixture in a large bowl; stir in nuts.
16. Divide potato mixture into 6 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
17. Wipe pan dry with a paper towel.
18. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in pan over medium-high heat.
19. Add 3 patties to pan; cook 4 minutes or until browned.
20. Carefully (if not they'll fall apart) turn patties over; cook 3 minutes or until browned.
21. Remove from pan; keep warm.
22. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and 3 patties.
23. Place lettuce leaves and patties on bottom halves of buns; top each patty with 1 tablespoon chili sauce, about 3 tablespoons onion, and top halves of buns.
24. Yum!