Day 8: Spicoli Burger

I was a little apprehensive about the Spicoli burgers from Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan because they are mostly made up of brown rice and hemp seed nuts. Basically, I was worried that the burgers would be too "healthy" tasting. My worries were quickly allayed after my first bite. This burger might be the definition of "good and good for you" (actually, most of Dreena's recipes fit that).

These refrigerated very well. You could microwave these, but I prefer to re-fry them for a couple minutes (with no added oil!). They are perfect on a toasted bun slathered with dijon mustard and Vegenaise with a big slice of tomato. They are also good cold with mustard smeared on top (what? Sometimes I am lazy.). They're very omni-friendly, as evidenced by both of my parents enjoying them.

Recipe!:
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 c. onion, diced
1/8 tsp. sea salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3/4 c. red bell pepper, diced
2 c. cooked short-grain brown rice (additional rice is called for later)
1 c. shelled hemp seed nuts (Manitoba Harvest brand is great!)
2 medium cloves, garlic, quartered
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. tamari
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried sage leaves
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 c. cooked short-grain brown rice
1/4 cup flour (any kind will work)
2 Tbsp. olive oil (for frying)

1.) In a fraying pan on medium heat, add oil, onions, salt, & black pepper, sautéing for 3-4 mins. until onions start to soften.
2.) Add bell peppers & sauté for another 5-6 mins., until onions are fully softened.
3.) In a food processor, combine 2 c. rice, hemp seeds, garlic, ketchup, tamari, mustard, oregano, thyme, sage, salt, & onion/pepper mixture. Purée until fairly smooth, scraping down sides of bowl if needed.
4.) Transfer to a bowl & stir in remaining rice.
5.) Refrigerate for at least 30 mins. to firm up.
6.) Remove from fridge & form into patties with hands.
7.) Place flour evenly on a plate & lightly dust both sides of each patty, shaking off excess.
8.) In a frying pay on medium-high heat, heat oil.
9.) Add patties, 3-4 at a time, & lightly flatten with a spatula.
10.) Cook for 6-9 mins. on each side, until golden & a crust has formed.

Yield: 8-10 patties