How to Make Red Beans and Rice Burgers

I love to make a recycled meal from leftovers. With payday three days off tonight it is mandatory. Opening the fringe I found some rice leftover from a Chinese Carryout last week, some Sumer sausage leftover from the Christmas snacks, two green onions, one lonely jalapeno pepper, and some eggs. I remembered an easy Cajun recipe a friend had shared years ago.

Cajun Red Beans and Rice Burgers

Ingredients

2 Cups old cooked rice (It's dryer)

2 green onions diced

1 Jalapeno pepper fine diced (optional)

2 Cups smoked meat diced (summer Sausage works great)

1 15oz can red beans drained (Black Beans work too)

¼ cup all purpose flour

2 Tablespoon sweet paprika

1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 Tablespoon ground Cumin

2+ dash Louisiana hot sauce

2 large eggs slightly whipped

Directions

Place rice, green onions, jalapeno, and meat in mixing bowl and set aside. Put remaining ingredients into a food processor, pulse until you have a chunky sauce. You don't want it smooth. Empty food processor into mixing bowl. Roll up your sleeves and mix together with your hands. Form into four or more patties. Brown in heavy bottom pan uncovered greased with a bit of good oil. I cook them about 4 min per side.

Notes

Smoked meats I have used: Smoked turkey, smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked sausage, ham, I even tried it with some venison jerky once but that is hard to dice.

Leftover rice is best. If you don't have leftover rice make fresh and let it cool.

I have seen recipes using other spices, use your imagination or what you have in the pantry

Serving Suggestions

My favorite is with a bit of Cajun mustard, some fried taters, a big helping of Cole slaw, some sharp cheese, some olives, and of course lots of good Columbian coffee.

If you make bite size patties and serve cheese and olives it makes a good appetizer