Sunflower Oat Sliders Yield: 10 sliders Prep Time 10 minutes     Cook Time 25 minutes                     Tweet	Recipes are rated from 1 to 5 forks, with 1 fork being the easiest and 5 forks the most challenging.
The hearty texture of this burger will satisfy your taste buds. Sunflower seeds, oats, and black rice and seasonings create a great balance that goes well with the American standards of mustard and ketchup or barbecue sauce. Don't forget to top it off with fresh sliced tomatoes, onions, and arugula or romaine lettuce. Instructional images follow the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup Shredded celery
• 1/2 cup Shredded apple (any apple variety will work)
• 1/2 cup Onion, diced
• 1 cup Black, red, or brown rice, cooked (Use a sticky whole grain rice if possible)
• 1 cup Old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup Sunflower Seeds, unsalted (raw works best, but toasted will work)
• 2 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce - Low Sodium
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke (optional - substitute 1 tsp smoked paprika)
• 2 Tablespoons Ground flaxseed
• 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning Herb Blend
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground is best)
• 1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic (If using powdered garlic, only add 2 teaspoons. Do not use garlic salt)

Special Equipment:

Food processor      

2 1/2 inch pastry ring (optional)      

 

Preparation Method:

Note::

You can use leftover rice for making the burgers. You can also purchase precooked whole grain rice in most grocery stores, either in the frozen section or in the rice/grain/bean isle. If purchasing precooked whole grain rice, make sure there are few, if any added seasonings. If cooking the rice for the burgers, let it cool to room temperature before making the burgers.

Preparation::

Preheat the oven to 400° F

Gather and measure all of the ingredients. Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse about 10 to 12 times to break down the oats and combine the ingredients. Do not over process, you want texture from the oats, rice, and sunflower seeds. Dump the mixture into a large bowl and use your hands to finish combining the ingredients until they begin ti stick together.

Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions, they should be about 2 to 2.2 ounces each. If using a pastry ring, take each 2 ounce portion and press firmly into the pastry ring to form the sliders. If using your hands, try to compress the sliders as much as possible, creating a 2 1/2 inch patty.

Place the slider patties on a parchment lined baking sheet or a baking sheet lightly sprayed with non-stick spray so they are evenly spaced. Bake the sliders on the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes. Remove and flip the sliders, returning to the oven for an addition 10 minutes.

Serve on your favorite whole grain rolls or English Muffins with arugula, tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments. The sliders can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave (about 1 minute for 2 sliders) or on the grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat

Building the burgers:

Prepared Ingredients

Process

Mix with your hands to fully combine

Use your hands or a 2 1/2 inch pastry ring to shape into 2 ounce patties. Compress the burgers as firmly as possible.

Place the burgers on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip, returning to the oven for an additional 10 minutes

Enjoy!