Mashed avocado, chili peppers and onions enliven these moist, lightly spiced hamburgers that can be cooked in the microwave. They look pan-fried when cooked in a browning skillet.

Avocado Beef Patties

1 medium ripe fresh avocado (see note)
2 tablespoons diced green chili peppers
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons chopped green onion
11⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground beef
1⁄2 cup shredded jack cheese
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted butter lettuce leaves
4 thin slices tomato

Halve avocado lengthwise and remove pit; then peel. Slice half the avocado and coat pieces with lemon juice; set aside.

In a bowl, mash remaining avocado half. Stir in chili peppers, egg, onion, the 11⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice, garlic and salt. Add beef and combine thoroughly (mixture will be moist).

With your hands, shape meat into 4 patties, each about 3⁄4 inch thick.

Microwave a 10-inch browning dish or skillet on HIGH (100 percent) for 41⁄2 minutes. Carefully remove dish (the bottom is very hot) to a heat-proof surface. Place patties in dish. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100 percent) for 3 minutes. Drain off fat.

Turn patties over. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100 percent) for 2 minutes or until juices run clear when patty is slashed. Sprinkle each patty with 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Cover with wax paper and let stand for 5 minutes.

Arrange patties on bottoms of buns and top each patty with lettuce leaves, tomato slice, and a few avocado slices. Cover with remaining buns.

Makes 4 servings.

Note: Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.

Recipe from: California Avocado Commission