BBQ Black Bean Burgers

2 T olive oil
1 c EACH chopped onion, bell pepper (whatever color you like)
4 garlic cloves, or to taste, diced
2 c. cooked black beans (if you use canned, be sure to drain and rinse)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp jalapeno, or to taste, diced
1/2 c BBQ sauce
1/2 c (rounded) cooked rice (I used brown rice, whatever you have on hand is fine)
1 1/2 c (approx.) bread crumbs, unseasoned

cook onion, bell pepper in oil until translucent, add garlic cloves, when garlic is soft, add the rest of ingredients (except bread crumbs), heat through and dump into heatproof bowl, or Cuisinart (when cool a bit). Use whatever method you prefer, but you need to mash up the mixture. I preferred to put it all in a bowl and use the bottom of a glass to smash everything together. When incorporated, add 1 c of the bread crumbs to the mixture. 

The goal is to form the mixture into patties, if it seems too dry, add a splash more of BBQ sauce, if it seems too wet, sprinkle in some more bread crumbs. This will all depend on how wet your beans were when you added them, the consistency of your BBQ sauce...etc. Just approximate....

When you have the consistency right, place patties on a cookie sheet. If you want to cook them later, you can freeze them like this and place them into zip-loc baggies when they are frozen. If you are eating them the same day, be sure to use a good, nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
To cook:
Heat 2 T canola oil on med. in skillet, when hot, place 2-3 patties in pan, they should sizzle, when you have a good crust on that side, flip and place a slice of cheese on the top if you like. (I highly recommend this...). Cook for a couple minutes longer and enjoy. yum.