Black Bean Burgers

Got this from Vibrant Life Magazine, who got it from The New York Times. 

The original recipe calls for 1 can of black beans.  My wife and I have discovered that making them yourself from SCRATCH is easy, and saves you loads of money.  Just get them in the bulk section at your local grocery store.  Put a couple cups of dry beans in a crock pot, add water, salt, and whatever other seasonings you want, turn it on, and walk away.  Check back every hour or so to stir or add water, if needed.  In a few hours you have beans.  How cool, healthy, and cheap, is that???

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2 cups black beans.  cooked, drained.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, seasoned any way you want, or not.
If you want, add a small can of green chilis, or a jalepeno or two.
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed OR 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
2 green onions, chopped, greens and all
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup parsley OR cilantro
2 cups quick rolled oats (Quaker oats will do just fine)
8 whole grain buns
toppings of your choice

process the first 8 ingredients in a food processor.  Remove contents into a large bowl.  Stir in the oats.  Form into patties.

You can either bake at 450 degrees (f) for 8 minutes, then flip the patties and broil for another 2 minutes.

OR you can just saute' them on a skillet or in a pan, 5 minutes a side, until browned.

Place the patties on your toasted buns, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

WARNING:  If your family is anything like mine, you might want to make a double batch!