Rice, Carrot, Mushroom & Pecan Burgers

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/rice_carrot_mushroom_pecan_burgers.html

From EatingWell:  March/April 1995

Meaty mushrooms and crunchy pecans make this a satisfying vegetarian burger. Make it a meal: Serve on a whole-wheat bun or toasted country bread with Spinach Salad with Black Olive Vinaigrette.

6 servings | Active Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)
• 8 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and sliced (8-10 mushrooms)
• 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted (2 ounces)
• 1 cup cooked rice, preferably brown basmati rice
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs, (see Tip)
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preparation

1. Preheat the broiler. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until they are slightly soft, about 3 more minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
3. Coarsely chop pecans in a food processor (not a blender). Add rice, carrots and the sautéed onion mixture. Pulse a few times until the mixture has a mealy consistency and transfer it to a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs and mix well. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir in egg.
4. Shape the mixture into 6 patties. Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Broil, about 6 inches from the heat, until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Per serving : 204 Calories; 11 g Fat; 1 g Sat; 6 g Mono; 35 mg Cholesterol; 22 g Carbohydrates; 5 g Protein; 3 g Fiber; 178 mg Sodium; 310 mg Potassium

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 2 fat

Tips & Notes

• Tip: To make fresh breadcrumbs: Trim crusts from firm sandwich bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice of bread makes about 1/3 cup crumbs.