Spicy Black-Bean Burgers

4 cups cooked or canned black beans, rinsed and drained

cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

2 large eggs

4 scallions, both white and green parts minced

3 tablespoons chopped basil or cilantro, or a combination

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1-2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoons dried oregano

1-2 teaspoons hot red-pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 split buns

Tomato, lettuce, sliced onion, fresh basil leaves or other condiments of your choice

Place 2 cups of the black beans in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until chunky. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the remaining whole black beans and the remaining ingredients except the salt and pepper.

Divide the mixture into 4 portions and form each into a patty about 1-inch thick, tossing it gently back and forth between your hands. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat, and when it is hot but not smoking, add the burgers. (If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a bit of cooking spray so the burgers won't stick.) Sear 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Serve immediately on buns, with garnishes of your choice.

Serves four.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving (without bun and garnishes): 260 calories, 3.5 g fat (1 g saturated), 42 g carbohydrates, 9 g fiber, 15 g protein, 105 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium.

"Burgers" by Sally Sampson (2008 Wiley, $16.95)