Black Bean Burgers

1 1/4 cups dried black beans, rinsed and picked over, then soaked for 4 hours and drained

Kosher salt

3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup farro

1 small onion, finely diced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped basil

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Vegetable oil, for sautéing

8 toasted buns

Red pepper spread and thickly sliced red onions, for serving

Step 1

In a saucepan, cover the beans with 2 inches of water. Simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 1 hour; add water as needed to keep the beans covered by 2 inches. When the beans are tender, season them with salt and let stand for 5 minutes; drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the farro and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the grains are al dente, 30 minutes.

Step 3

In a small skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook over moderate heat until softened. Add the crushed red pepper and garlic and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes.

Step 4

In a food processor, pulse all but 1/2 cup of the beans to a chunky puree; transfer to a bowl. Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of beans, the farro, the onion mixture, eggs, bread crumbs, basil, cilantro, pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt. Form the mixture into 8 patties. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 5

In a large, nonstick skillet, heat 1/8 inch of vegetable oil. Add the burgers and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until browned and heated through, about 6 minutes. Transfer the burgers to the buns. Top with the red pepper spread and the onion slices, close the burgers and serve.