Try this delicious and nutritious mushroom beet burger for a healthy meal!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup cooked brown rice
• 3/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (we used button, but really any variety will work)
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, well rinsed and drained (or 1.5 cups cooked)
• 1 cup finely grated raw beet
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or sub extra cumin if you don’t like heat)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 breadcrumbs, or finely chopped raw walnuts
• salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-low. Once hot, add the onion and sauté, seasoning with a pinch each salt and pepper.
2. When the onions are soft (about 5 minutes) turn up the heat to medium and add the mushrooms. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms and onions are slightly browned and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Remove from heat, add black beans and roughly mash.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the rice, beets, and spices. Stir.
5. Add the breadcrumbs or walnut and form into patties, about ⅓ cup each (makes ~8 patties).
6. Very lightly coat pan with cooking oil and brown over medium heat. Cook until brown on both sides (3-4 minutes each).
7. Serve on buns or atop mixed greens with desired toppings/condiments.

*Can’t imagine a burger without meat? Halve all of the ingredients and mix well with a pound of ground beef. Form into patties ⅓ – ½ inch thick. Cook the patties over medium high heat on the stove top or on a grill. Patties need about 4 minutes per side to be well done - check for doneness before serving.

This recipe was adapted from www.minimalistbaker.com.