Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Burger buns of your choice
• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
2. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine black beans, cooked rice, red onion, garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mash the mixture with a fork until mostly combined but still with some texture.
3. Add the roasted sweet potato to the black bean mixture and stir well to combine.
4. Form the mixture into four patties.
5. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned.
6. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.