Step 1

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add raw walnuts and toast 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

Step 2

Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add onion. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté 5-7 minutes until onion is soft and translucent, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Once walnuts are cool, add to a food processor along with the cumin, chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Process until thoroughly combined and mixture becomes a fine meal. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large bowl, mash beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving about ⅓ to ½ of the beans whole.

Step 5

To the beans, add the sautéed onions, walnut-spice mixture, cooked rice, Panko breadcrumbs, and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until a moldable dough forms.

Step 6

If the mixture seems dry add 1-2 more tablespoons of BBQ sauce. If it’s too wet, add more Panko. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 7

Firmly mold mixture into 8 patties that are about ¾-inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. You could also make 16 sliders half the size. (I suggest wearing vinyl, powder-free disposable gloves to form the burgers so your hands don’t turn orange from the spices and BBQ sauce.)

Step 8

Place the burgers on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and chill at least 30 minutes to firm up before cooking/grilling. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)*

Step 9

When ready to cook, preheat grill over medium heat or heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan if cooking on the stove.

Step 10

Either on the grill or in the skillet, cook burgers 3-4 minutes on each side. Reduce heat slightly if they brown too quickly.

Step 11

Serve burgers hot on toasted multi-grain buns with the suggested toppings or those of your choice. Enjoy!

Step 12

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 13

Add onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook the onions about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent.

Step 14

Add brown sugar and honey, and cook another 10-15 minutes until deeply caramelized, stirring frequently.