Spicy Beet Burgers

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Remove beet green from beets and reserve for another purpose or discard. Wrap beets in foil and roast 1 hour or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Once cool, gently peel with a pairing knife or spoon (peel should be easy to remove). Grate beets and place in a fine mesh strainer and drain as much liquid as possible; set aside. While beets are roasting, combine rice with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer about 1 hour or until water is absorbed and rice is very cooked, even slightly over-cooked; set aside. Sauté onions in 1 Tbsp. of oil over medium-low heat until softened and golden brown.Combine about ½ of each can of beans with raisins in a food processor and blend until mostly smooth or mash until smooth with a spoon or potato masher. Stir in remaining whole beans, drained beets, rice, onion, 1 Tbsp. oil, egg, ground oats, rub and salt. Portion out ½ cup amounts of mixture and form into patties; should be enough to make 8 to 10 total. Place on a baking sheet and chill for at least 2 hours, up to overnight. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 375°F, place burgers on a generously oiled baking sheet and drizzle tops of burgers with additional oil. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, gently flipping once, until very browned.