Chickpea Burgers

Chickpea Burgers Recipe - Vegetarian Dish with Curry and Sesame Seeds

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chickpea burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with protein and fiber, these burgers are a great option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings and condiments.

History

Chickpea burgers have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. They are often used in dishes like hummus, falafel, and salads. The idea of using chickpeas as a base for burgers is a modern twist on a classic ingredient.

Ingredients

2 large egg whites or 0.25 cup of dry breadcrumbs
0.5 cup or more of sesame seeds
0.5 tsp of curry powder
1 tbsp of canola oil
2 green onions, finely chopped
0.75 cup of finely chopped white or cremini mushrooms
3 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and 0.5 cup of liquid reserved
0.33 cup of sunflower seeds

How to prepare

In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add green onions and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat.
In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, chickpeas, and reserved chickpea liquid. Process until smooth.
Transfer to a large bowl and combine with mushroom mixture.
In a food processor or blender, process sunflower seeds to make a coarse meal.
Add to the chickpea mixture along with curry powder. Mix well.
Stir in egg whites or bread crumbs (the mixture will be soft).
On a large baking sheet, make 8 beds of sesame seeds for the patties.
Shape the burger mixture into 8 patties and place them on the seeds.
Flip to coat both sides generously.
Grill the patties on a well-oiled vegetable grill or broil them 4 inches from the heat source for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned.
Serve right away.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Mix in grated carrots or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Use different spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before using them in the recipe.

- If you don't have sunflower seeds, you can substitute with any other type of nut or seed.

- Be sure to shape the burger patties firmly so they hold together during cooking.

- You can also bake the patties in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes instead of grilling or broiling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chickpea burgers on whole wheat buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and pickles. You can also serve them on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the chickpea burgers gives them a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with a little oil for a crispy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have canola oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil instead. You can also substitute the sunflower seeds with any other type of nut or seed, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chickpea burger mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking the patties. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chickpea burgers on a platter with a variety of condiments and toppings for a build-your-own burger bar. You can also garnish them with fresh herbs or a drizzle of tahini sauce for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chickpea burgers pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They also go well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chickpea burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 1-2 minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each chickpea burger contains approximately 200 calories. This makes them a relatively low-calorie option compared to traditional beef burgers.

Carbohydrates

Each chickpea burger contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Each chickpea burger contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The majority of the fat comes from the canola oil and sunflower seeds used in the recipe. These healthy fats are essential for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

Each chickpea burger contains approximately 8 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, as well as supporting a healthy immune system.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpeas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds and eggs, which are common allergens. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to substitute or omit them from the recipe.

Summary

Overall, chickpea burgers are a nutritious and delicious option for a meatless meal. They are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Summary

Chickpea burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, they are a healthy option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can whip up a batch of these tasty burgers in no time. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Istanbul, where the air was filled with the tantalizing scents of spices and grilled meats. I was wandering through the vibrant markets, admiring the colorful displays of fresh produce and exotic ingredients, when I stumbled upon a small food stall tucked away in a corner.

As I approached the stall, I was greeted by the warm smile of an elderly woman who was busy flipping golden brown patties on a sizzling grill. The aroma wafting from the grill was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist ordering one of the chickpea burgers she was preparing. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft and flavorful interior, bursting with the earthy goodness of chickpeas and fragrant spices.

I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make these delicious chickpea burgers myself. I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Fatima, and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed and invited me to her home the next day to learn the secrets of her culinary prowess.

The following day, I found myself in Fatima's cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of simmering spices and bubbling pots. She handed me a worn notebook filled with handwritten recipes and told me that the recipe for the chickpea burgers was a closely guarded family secret, passed down through generations.

I watched intently as Fatima demonstrated each step of the process, from soaking and cooking the chickpeas to blending them with a fragrant mix of onions, garlic, and spices. She showed me how to form the mixture into patties and fry them until they were crispy and golden brown.

As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I marveled at the simplicity and yet complexity of the flavors in the chickpea burgers. The earthy chickpeas were complemented perfectly by the warm spices and aromatic herbs, creating a harmony of tastes that danced on my palate.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the chickpea burgers in my own kitchen, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different spices and seasonings, adding a dash of cumin for warmth and a pinch of coriander for freshness.

Each time I made the chickpea burgers, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in Istanbul, where I first discovered the magic of Fatima's recipe. I shared the burgers with my friends and family, who marveled at the unique flavors and textures that I had managed to recreate.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist and flair to the traditional dish. I experimented with different toppings and accompaniments, serving the chickpea burgers with tangy pickles and creamy tahini sauce.

Now, whenever I make chickpea burgers, I am reminded of the generosity and warmth of Fatima, who shared her treasured recipe with me that fateful day in Istanbul. The simple act of cooking and sharing a meal has the power to connect us across cultures and generations, bridging the gap between strangers and creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever. And for that, I am eternally grateful.