Quinoa Black Bean Burgers {Gluten Free}

Here's a fun meatless dinner idea!  In the spirit of trying out some new recipes I gave these a try.  I blended half the mixture and left half in it's whole form, which gave the burgers great texture.  They have some savory mushrooms in them too, which gives them a great depth of flavor.  We enjoyed ours on our favorite Udi's Gluten Free Buns.  Although flavorful, ours came out a bit soft, be sure to cook out most all of the moisture in your mushroom mixture and bake a touch longer if needed.  I think these would be super yummy without the bun as a topping for a crisp green salad too!  Try them for dinner tonight.  Enjoy!

Recipe: (serves 6)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups baby bella mushrooms, diced
1 (15oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 cup fresh grilled corn kernals (or frozen corn)
cooking spray
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350'F.  In a small pot, over high heat, combine 1/2 cup dry quinoa with 1 cup water, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until quinoa is soft and water is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. In a pan over medium-high heat, saute mushrooms in olive oil for about 5 minutes until soft.  Add 3/4 cup of the black beans, 3/4 cup of the cooked quinoa, garlic powder, steak seasoning and 1 cup water to the pan, cook for another 10-12 minutes until nearly all the moisture is cooked out.
3. Transfer mushroom mixture to a food processor and blend for 2 minutes, until very smooth, scrape down the sides as needed.
4. In a bowl, combine the pureed mixture, remaining 3/4 cup whole black beans, remaining 1 cup cooked quinoa, corn kernals and stir to combine.  Season to taste.
5. Using a 1/2 cup measuring cup, scoop out the mixture and form into patties, place on a baking sheet that's been sprayed with cooking spray.  You should get 6-7 patties.  Lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray as well.  Bake in 350'F oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping once half-way through, or until crispy and hold their shape.  Place on your favorite bun with all the fixings.