Veggie Burgers

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 cups cooked brown rice, warm
2/3 cup unroasted sunflower seed meats
2/3 cup unroasted cashews
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup unroasted walnuts
1/3 cup unroasted almonds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2/3 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Saut , stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 6 minutes. Stir in basil.

In a large mixing bowl, combine onion-garlic mixture and brown rice. Stir until blended.

Place sunflower seeds, cashews, sesame seeds, walnuts and almonds in a food processor or blender. Process until fine, about 1 minute. Add processed nuts and seeds to rice mixture along with soy sauce and tahini. Mix until well-blended.

Using a 1/3-cup measure, shape mixture into patties with your hands.

Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and brown about 3 minutes per side.

Serve hot or at room temperature.

Yields 14 patties.