Black Bean Burgers

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
4 medium cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1-1/2 cups cooked or canned black beans, drained
1 cup cooked brown rice*
2 cups fresh whole wheat bread crumbs**
hot pepper sauce to taste (such as Tabasco)
1 Tablespoon ketchup
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt

*Original recipe called for basmati rice, but use whatever you have on hand. I made mine with short-grain brown rice, and they were very tasty.
**Use gluten-free bread crumbs if desired.

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and translucent.
2. Stir in cumin and turmeric and cook for one more minute.
3. In a food processor fitted with the chopping blade, combine beans, rice, and vegetable mixture until smooth.
4. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in bread crumbs. Season with salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce and mix well.
5. Flatten 1/4-cup portions into patties and then grill or pan fry for 3-5 minutes per side.

Makes 8 burgers.