Spicy Black Bean Burgers

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup flour
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 small hot or jalapeno pepper, minced (I used jalapeno)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium red pepper, diced
2 cups cooked or canned black beans, mashed (I used cooked)
1/2 cup corn niblets
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp parsley, minced (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. On a small plate, set aside flour for coating. In a medium saucepan, sauté the onion, garlic, oregano, and hot peppers in oil on medium-high heat until the onions are translucent. Add the peppers and sauté another 2 minutes, until pepper is tender. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a potato masher or fork. Stir in the vegetables (including the corn), breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, chili powder, and parsley. Mix well. Divide and shape into 6 patties.

3. Lay down each patty in flour, coating each side. Cook on a lightly oiled frying pan on medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes or until browned on both sides.

Makes 6 patties.

***These are very filling! I served them on whole wheat hamburger buns, topped with lettuce and a little salsa. I didn't think they were especially spicy the way I made them, but then that was probably a good thing because my girls don't like spicy as much as I do. ;)