Step 1

Preheat a saute pan over medium-low heat. Stirring occasionally, cook the onion and mushrooms until the liquid has been released from the mushrooms, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pan, and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. The mixture should be dry.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment.

Step 3

In the bowl of a food processor pulse the walnuts until coarsely crumbled. Add the sauteed mushroom mixture, barley, beans, nutritional yeast, worcestershire, panko, salt and pepper, and process until incorporated. It's okay to still have small visible pieces of beans and mushrooms.

Step 4

Form into patties. Using a scant 1/2 cup of mixture per patty will yield 8 burgers. If desired, brush patties with vegan worcestershire and sprinkle with black pepper.

Step 5

Place patties on baking sheet and bake 30 to 35 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes.

Step 6

Option: pan-seared burgers - preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp of high-heat cooking oil. Place 2 to 3 burgers in the pan, leaving plenty of room for flipping. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side or until nicely charred. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.