Vegan Burger

I have been on a mission to create a great vegan burger – one that is both loaded with protein and healthy ingredients, but also tastes incredibly like the burgers I grew up eating as my father fired up the grill.  Hence, the liquid smoke.  I think this is as close as I can get – so I am posting the recipe and hope that you will enjoy it!  I had planned to grill these but unfortunately, it was pouring outside. No matter – they tasted great baked in the oven. However, next time I plan to grill them and am fairly certain they will hold together very nicely on the grill.

• 2 T ground flax seed
• 1/2 c walnuts
• 1/2 c cooked brown rice
• 15 oz black beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 t vegan worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 t liquid smoke
• 1/4 t salt
• 1 c plain bread crumbs

In a small bowl, combine the flax with 5 T water and let sit for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, process the walnuts until ground fine.

Add the rice, beans, worcestershire, onion, smoke, salt and moistened flax.

Process until smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and stir in the bread crumbs.

Form into 8 patties.

Grill or bake on sheet sprayed with cooking spray at 350 for 30 minutes.

Let cool a bit before eating or, although still yummy, the texture may be a little too soft.