Tamale Burgers

1 Place the vegetable broth in a large non-stick frying pan with the onion, bell pepper, corn, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, garlic, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are softened.

2 Mix the masa harina with 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl. Add to the vegetable mixture and mix well. (Mixture will be very thick.) Cover and cook over low heat, stirring once or twice, for about 5 minutes.

3 Put the warmed rice into a large bowl and add the masa-vegetable mixture, along with the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix very well. Set aside for 20 minutes.

4 Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Fill a small bowl with water and place it by a work surface, along with the baking sheets. Moisten your hands with the water, then pinch off and shape the mixture into 8 to 10 oblong, flattened burgers that fit across the middle of a tortilla. Arrange the shaped burgers on the baking sheets. Refrigerate the burgers on the baking sheets for 30 minutes.

5 Grill burgers over medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side, until crusty on the outside. This may be done on a charcoal or gas grill, or on a griddle on the stovetop.

6 Place each burger in a corn tortilla, add lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, if desired, and spoon some Taco Sauce (recipe in Dressings & Sauces) over the top. Fold up and enjoy.

Hint: Masa harina can usually be found in Latin American markets, or in the ethnic section of some supermarkets. It is a fine corn flour that is used to make tortillas and tamales. I usually make a double batch of these burgers because they freeze well and then I have an easy meal for some time later. These may also be shaped into the traditional burger shape and eaten on whole wheat buns. They have a decidedly Mexican flavor to them, so they are best topped with Mexican-style seasonings.