Black Bean Burgers

These are delicious on toasted homemade hamburger buns or by themselves topped with avocado and tomato slices!

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 great bell pepper
1/2 onion
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
1/2 cup oatmeal (place in blender and make into a powder)

If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees, and lightly oil a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs and powdered oatmeal until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into patties. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet and bake about 10 minutes on each side. Enjoy!