Chickpea Burgers

Sometimes you just want a burger and fries! We all have those days – we crave something a little heartier than a simple salad… something a little more “meaty” if you will. Don’t sweat it, that’s no problem at all!

This recipe is great for those times when we can’t shake the “burger or bust” craving. It is also a great dish to serve when cooking for non-vegetarians friends and family… the familiar “ground beef” texture will put them at ease.

This recipe took a few tries to get right, but the secret’s all in the chia seeds. When these seeds get wet, they form a thick gummy substance which acts as a binding agent for our patties!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 1-15 oz can of chickpeas)
• 1/2 purple onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 tbsp  whole wheat (or g-free) flour
• 4 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp dill weed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• pinch of cayenne
• 6 whole wheat (or g-free) burger buns

Begin by placing the chickpeas in a bowl. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas, then soak overnight.

Drain the chickpeas, then place the chickpeas, onion and bell peppers in the food processor. Process until blended together. This texture should resemble ground beef. Next, add all other ingredients into the food processor and pulse.

The mixture should now begin to stick together. Form the chickpea mixture into 1/4″ patties. Cook over medium heat on the stovetop until golden brown on both sides.

This recipe makes about 6 patties. Cook them all up, then pack a few in the freezer for a quick meal later in the week. This burger is great paired with some good ol’ fashioned potato salad or fries.

Click here for the Vegan Honey Mustard recipe.