Sweet Potato BBQ Veggie Burgers

I found this recipe on Pinterest from: http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2013/03/spin-on-sweet-potato-veggie-burgers-bbq.html

These veggie burgers are definitely my favorite. I changed them a bit to make them vegan AND oil free, but they are still delicious! It is also very simple and quick to make. 

Here is what you will need:
Organic and/or local is always best.

1/2 to 1 cup cooked brown rice, depending on how thick you like your burgers
3/4 cups peanuts, unsalted (I used my Magic Bullet to make them into a fine powder)
1 cup mashed sweet potato (I usually bake mine in the oven, but it has been so hot outside so I just used canned sweet potato, and it worked great.)
1 1/2 cups cannellini white beans, drained/rinsed
1 Tbsp dry BBQ spice blend (I used Mango Chipotle Rub from Starlight Herb & Spice Co. from Whole Foods)
2 Tbsp liquid BBQ sauce, vegan
1/4 cup onion, diced
2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped or you can use dried
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
a couple shakes of cayenne and salt
burger buns, I used Food for Life Sprouted Wheat Burger Buns (not gluten free)


Serves 6

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine diced onion, ground up peanuts, sweet potato, rice, beans, spices, parsley, and BBQ sauce in a large mixing bowl. Then take a potato masher and mash until it is thick and creamy. 
3. Take a large cookie sheet and put a silicone baking mat on it. Form the mixture into 6 even burgers on the baking mat. No need to use any oil. 
4. Throw the burgers in the oven for 20 min. or until the edges start to brown. 
5. While the burgers are baking, you can chop up onion, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, etc. If you would like, toast the burger buns in a toaster oven until golden brown. 
6. Once the burgers are done, you can assemble your burger with all of your preferred condiments and add-ons. I just used tomato, lettuce, onion, and avocado. I also used a little ketchup so the burger fixings would stick together better. 


*When the burgers are first out of the oven they are not as strong as a typical burger is. To help keep the burger together, I take the baking mat and fold it so the burger drops onto my spatula. Then I can put it on the burger bun much easier and in one piece!



To make it even better, cut up some watermelon for the perfect summer dish.

Enjoy!