Mexican Bean Burgers

This recipe was originally posted by Zenith. This member is no longer an active participant at Zaar, but I was a huge fan of her recipes, so when they went up for adoption I grabbed as many as I could. Here are her original comments: "A tasty vegetarian burger. Fairly mild -- increase spices to your taste. Adapted from 'The Vegetarian Gourmet's Easy Low-Fat Favorites.'"

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 burgers

Ingredients

• 2  cups  cooked black beans (or canned)
• 2  cups cooked brown rice, preferably warm
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped onion
• 3  tablespoons ketchup
• 2  teaspoons chili powder, more, to taste
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1  garlic clove, pressed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin, more, to taste
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 1  tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Mash with a potato masher until mashed well and thoroughly combined.
3. Divide mixture into 8 balls.
4. Form each ball into a thick patty.
5. (This is easier if you wet your hands first.) Fry burgers in a skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (or lightly greased).
6. Cook until browned on both sides, turning several times.
7. Serve on buns with toppings of your choice.