Vegetarian Chickpea Burgers


As promised, our next Lenten Meatless Meal is a vegetarian burger.  Meatless burgers are something I never really thought I’d ever make.  Honestly, they just didn’t appeal to me.  That is, until I came across this delicious recipe for chickpea burgers.  They were so good that even my meat & potatoes husband enjoyed them.

There are a couple key points to remember if you want these to be a success:

#1 – Spice is your friend!  The beans are blander than beef, but a nice kick of spice (green chilies and cayenne) make up for it!

#2 – Don’t expect these to taste just like beef, because they are not!  Again, the spices help.  Also, be prepared for a texture difference.  These are going to be a little crisp on the outside, but creamy in the middle.

If you keep those points in mind, you can treat these just like a regular burger.  Toss them on a bun with your favorite toppings and a side of chips or fries and you’re in business!


Vegetarian Chickpea Burgers
Adapted from Rachel Ray

1 (15 oz) can Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), drained and rinsed
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1-2 tbsp water
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tbsp dried parsley
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Cheese slices
Bakery buns
Ketchup & mustard
Lettuce


In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, green chilies and water until smooth, pushing mixture off the sides as needed. 

In a medium bowl, mix together the chickpea mixture, bread crumbs, egg, and spices until well blended.  Shape into 3-4 patties.  Note: I used a patty press sprayed with cooking spray (the beans were rather sticky)

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat.  Cook the burgers for 4 minutes.  Flip the burgers and cook for 2 more minutes.  Add the cheese and cook until melted, about 1 more minute.

Serve the burgers on hamburger buns with mustard and ketchup.

Enjoy!
Amy

Comments

  1. I love the nutty meatiness of chickpeas. Perfect way to use them!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love how healthy that is. Love vegetarian burgers!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've been trying to get better at making veggie burgers- these look great! thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I favorited this recipe. I am eager to compare this to other alternatives, but I am sure I will be pleased, as I have been with your other postings.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great veggie burger! And yes! Spice is our friend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds wonderful! I'm sure I'd love these!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Chickpeas are a great meat replacer and I love their flavor. I will definitely be trying this soon!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I made these recently too but with an Indian twist with some tomato chutney and a mint-yogurt sauce. We loved them too!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please comment! I would love to hear from you!