Black Bean and Brown Rice Burgers with Mozzarella Cheese and Avocado

These bean and rice burgers are so delicious, you won't miss the beef! Not only will you be eating less fat and cholesterol, but the brown rice and black beans will provide you with plenty of protein, fiber and nutrients. If heating up your grill for other food, consider transferring the pre-cooked burgers over to the grill for an even richer flavor.

Yield: 8 large burgers

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 15-ounce cans back beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 8 sandwich buns or bagels, toasted
• Tomato and onion slices
• 1 ripe avocado, seeded, peeled and smashed

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, combine rice and 1 cup salted water; bring to a boil, and then reduce heat  to medium and cook 20 minutes (or follow package instructions). 
2. In a large bowl, smash black bean with potato masher or fork. Add cooked rice, oatmeal, mushrooms, onion, green pepper, eggs, hot pepper sauce and spices; and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Form into 8 1/2 cup patties.
3. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 patties and cook 5 minutes on each side. During the last few minutes, top each patties with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Transfer  patties to a plate. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and repeat with the remaining 4 patties.
4. Serve on a toasted bun or bagel. Top with tomato and onion slices and a dollop of avocado.