Falafel burgers offer a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional burgers, bringing the vibrant flavors of the Middle East into every bite. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these burgers are packed with protein and fiber while remaining light and satisfying. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans, these burgers have a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful inside. Serve them on a soft bun with a dollop of creamy tahini sauce, fresh veggies, and pickled onions for a tasty and wholesome meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (or 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Burger buns or pita bread
- Tahini sauce or hummus
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced cucumber
- Pickled onions or jalapeños
Instructions:
- Prepare the Falafel Mixture: If using dried chickpeas, drain and rinse them after soaking overnight. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), baking powder, and flour. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed. You should be able to form a ball with the mixture without it falling apart. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the Patties: Shape the falafel mixture into burger-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together during cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the falafel patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns or pita bread lightly. Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce or hummus on the bottom half of each bun. Place the falafel burger on top, then layer with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and pickled onions or jalapeños. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the falafel burgers immediately with extra tahini sauce or hummus on the side, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Middle East in every bite!
Feel free to customize these burgers with your favorite toppings and sauces for a truly personalized meal!
