Looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional burgers? Look no further than these homemade Falafel Burgers recipe! Packed with the rich flavors of Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs, these vegan and gluten-free patties offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Falafel Burgers Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Skillet or grill pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For serving:
- Whole wheat or brioche burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Tzatziki or tahini sauce
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Falafel Mixture:
- In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt.Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse, grainy texture. Be careful not to over-process; the mixture should be slightly chunky.Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.Add the baking powder, flour, and lemon juice, and mix well until the mixture is well combined.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to form into patties.
2. Form the Falafel Patties:
- After resting, remove the mixture from the refrigerator.Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1/4 cup for each burger) and form them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. You should get around 4-6 patties.
3. Cook the Falafel Patties:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.Place the patties in the skillet, ensuring they do not touch each other.Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.If you prefer baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the burger buns lightly on the skillet or grill pan for extra flavor.Spread tzatziki or tahini sauce on the bottom half of each bun.Place a falafel patty on top, followed by lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles if using.Top with more sauce, then cover with the top half of the bun.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these falafel burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add feta cheese and olives as toppings.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this Falafel Burgers Recipe is a game-changer. Serve these falafel burgers on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings and sauces for a meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, these falafel burgers will quickly become a family favorite.
More Vegetarian Recipes:
Ingredients:
For the Falafel Patties:
- Chickpeas: 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (do not use canned)
- Onion: 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh Herbs: 1 cup fresh parsley and 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Flour: 2-3 tablespoons chickpea flour or all-purpose flour (optional, for binding)
- Olive Oil: For frying
For Assembling the Burgers:
- Burger Buns: 4 whole-grain or gluten-free burger buns
- Lettuce Leaves: 4-6 large lettuce leaves
- Tomato: 1 large tomato, sliced
- Cucumber: 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- Red Onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Tzatziki Sauce or Hummus: For spreading
- Pickles: Optional, for added tang
Instructions:
Preparing the Falafel Patties:
- Soak the Chickpeas: Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in plenty of water overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the chickpeas to soften, making them easier to blend and shape into patties.
- Blend the Ingredients: Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor. Add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, spices, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Pulse the mixture until it’s finely ground but not pureed. The texture should be slightly coarse, with small chunks remaining.
- Check the Consistency: If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of water. If it’s too wet, add chickpea flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into a round patty. Flatten slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Fry the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the falafel patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Assembling the Falafel Burgers Recipe:
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns in a toaster or on a skillet until golden.
- Spread the Sauce: Generously spread tzatziki sauce or hummus on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add the Patties: Place a crispy falafel patty on top of the sauce.
- Layer the Toppings: Add lettuce leaves, tomato slices, cucumber, and red onion on top of the patty. Add pickles if desired.
- Top and Serve: Place the top half of the bun over the toppings and press down gently. Serve immediately with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the falafel mixture for a bit of heat.
- Make It Ahead: The falafel patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the buns and flour used are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Enjoy these flavorful and healthy falafel burgers as a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!