Name: Epic Falafel Burger Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 15-ounce can chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1 large carrot; ½ red onion; 3 garlic cloves; ½ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or parsley); 6 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour); 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons coriander; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil (for frying); 4 buns; Tomato slices; Cucumber slices; Red onion slices; Lettuce leaves; Quick Cucumber Sauce; Dill Sauce; Tahini Sauce (vegan); Cilantro Sauce (vegan)

Ingredients

15-ounce can chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 large carrot

½ red onion

3 garlic cloves

½ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or parsley)

6 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons coriander

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil (for frying)

4 buns

Tomato slices

Cucumber slices

Red onion slices

Lettuce

Quick Cucumber Sauce, Dill Sauce, Tahini Sauce (vegan), or Cilantro Sauce (vegan)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Dab them with a paper towel to remove extra moisture, then place in a food processor. Add sesame seeds and process until a paste-like consistency forms. If you don’t have a food processor, mash the chickpeas and sesame seeds with a potato masher or fork until mostly mashed. Transfer to a bowl.

Step 3: Add the carrot, red onion, garlic, and cilantro to the food processor and pulse until finely ground. Without a processor, grate the carrot and onion, grate the garlic finely, and chop the cilantro well. Combine these with the chickpea mixture.

Step 4: Stir in the flour, cumin, coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Form the mixture into 4 round patties and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties carefully, using a splatter screen if available, for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, adjusting the heat as needed.

Step 6: Transfer the fried patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 7: Assemble the burgers by placing patties on buns with tomato, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and your choice of sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use parsley instead of cilantro if you prefer a milder herb flavor.

For gluten-free patties, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour.

Try different sauces like tahini or cilantro sauce to change up the flavor profile.

To make patties less fragile, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying.

FAQs

Can I make the falafel patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and refrigerate them before frying or freezing. This makes for easy meal prep and quick cooking later.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can mash the chickpeas by hand with a fork or potato masher, grate the vegetables finely, and chop herbs very well. The patties may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.