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Crispy Vegan Black Bean & Farro Burger

crispy vegan black bean farro burger - featured image

A hearty and flavorful vegan burger made from black beans and cooked farro, pan-fried to crispy perfection with a golden crust. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (185 g) cooked farro (pearled farro recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free burger buns (for serving)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
  • Tomato slices (for serving)
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (for serving)
  • Your favorite vegan mayo or mustard (for serving)
  • Pickles or caramelized onions (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the flax egg by combining 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Stir well and let rest for about 10 minutes until thickened.
  2. If not already cooked, rinse 1 cup pearled farro and cook in boiling water (about 3 cups) for 20-25 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain and let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, mash the drained black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
  4. Add cooked farro, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, rolled oats, flax egg, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped herbs to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  5. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a 3-inch round patty, pressing firmly but not overworking.
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a non-stick or cast iron skillet until shimmering but not smoking.
  7. Place patties in the skillet with space between each. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, flipping carefully with a spatula.
  8. Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Toast burger buns lightly. Assemble burgers by layering buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado or guacamole, vegan mayo or mustard, and the crispy black bean & farro patties. Add pickles or caramelized onions if desired.

Notes

If the mixture feels too wet, add more oats or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping to help patties firm up. Use a cast iron skillet for best crispiness. Do not over-mash beans to maintain texture. Chilling patties before cooking improves firmness and reduces crumbling. Baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes is an oil-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan burger, black bean burger, farro burger, plant-based, gluten-free option, easy vegan recipe, homemade burger