A Tijuana medical clinic, Oasis of Hope, is led by Francisco Contreras, MD, a pioneer in using alternative therapies for fighting cancer. One aspect of the equation involves proper nutrition, accompanied by a healthy level of physical activity each day. The Oasis of Hope site features several healthy recipes with a positive effect on the body.
Among these are black bean burgers that begin with draining and mashing together cooked black beans and lentils (1.5 cups of each). Lentils are naturally high in fiber, and black beans nearly double that fiber content. Also high in protein, lentils benefit the gut and help lower blood sugar levels. Black beans, in turn, are an excellent source of folate and protein and can help avoid the spike in blood sugars common after meals.
For the burger, the mashed legumes are combined in a food processor with ground pecans, herbs, and diced vegetables such as onion, celery, and carrot. One cup of oatmeal flour is gradually added until a consistency emerges that allows patties to be shaped. These patties are best grilled in light oil for around three minutes on each side until golden crisp. Instead of a bun, the burger can be wrapped in a piece of romaine lettuce, with a drizzling of healthy dressing on top.
