Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Burgers

Very meaty and very easy to make, these burgers are great on sprouted wheat buns with tomatoes and arugula.

Makes 4 medium burgers.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 3 Tbsp water
• 1 c cooked black-eyed peas, drained well
• 1 c old-fashioned oats, uncooked
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, minced (or 1 tsp dry)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chia seeds and water. Allow to stand a few minutes until thickened.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the black-eyed peas, oats, oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the chia seeds and knead all together with clean hands, breaking up the peas a bit and forming a stiff dough-like mixture. Allow to stand 15 minutes to absorb moisture.
4. Divide the mixture in four and form each into a burger shape.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Place burgers in the hot oil and fry about 5 minutes, turning 3 or 4 times.
6. Place burgers on buns and serve hot with all the trimmings.