Wild Rice Burger

Preparation

1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a 2-quart pot. Add the wild rice and return to a boil. For hand-harvested wild rice, cook for about 20 minutes, until the grains are tender and many are split open. Drain in a wire mesh strainer. For cultivated wild rice, cook for 40 minutes to an hour. Let the wild rice cool completely. Wild rice can be prepared a day ahead of time and refrigerated.
2. In a large saute pan, place the oil or butter and put over medium-high heat. Add the onion and stir until it starts to sizzle. Lower the heat to low, stirring the onions occasionally. Note: The longer the onions are cooked, the sweeter and more caramelized they’ll become. Season with a pinch of salt, and when golden and soft, move onions to a small bowl and reserve for topping burgers.
3. Put the cooled wild rice in a large bowl and add the sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt and Worcestershire sauce and mix well.
4. Add the ground beef to the wild rice mixture and mix with your hands to combine. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and gently shape into patties. Refrigerate until time to cook.
5. To cook, grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. Serve on buns, topped with sauteed onions and condiments.