Chickpea Burger Vegan Recipe

Ever have one of those days where you just crave a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy? Let me introduce you to my go-to chickpea burgers—a plant-based delight that’s packed with flavor and totally chill to whip up.

I enjoy crafting recipes based on plants, and this Chickpea Burger is every bit as delectable and healthy as anything else I could invent. These international travelers are by no means limited to a vegetarian or vegan expression.

I probably could have married any number of chickpea preparations to the name “burger” and made a compelling case for such a union.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas: Rich in protein and fiber, they provide a hearty base.
• Rolled oats: Adds texture and helps bind, offering complex carbs.
• Flaxseed meal: A source of omega-3s, acts as a vegan egg replacement.
• Garlic: Intensely flavorful and known for antioxidant properties.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth, enhancing the burger’s savory profile.
• Olive oil: Provides healthy fats and keeps the burger moist.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make this

1. In a tiny bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and water and allow the mixture to rest for roughly 5 minutes until it thickens to create an egg bound with flaxseed.

2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas that have been drained, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, onion that has been chopped, garlic that has been minced, soy sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Insert the flax egg, which has been prepared, into the mixture that you have in the food processor.

4. Using a food processor, combine the components until they’re well mixed yet still have some texture. You definitely don’t want a smooth mixture.

5. Transfer mixture of chickpeas into a bowl and form it into 4-6 burger patties, depending on your size preference. The original recipe states the mixture yields 4 patties. We doubled the recipe so we could make 6 patties that are on the smaller side.

6. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.

7. When the oil is hot, the patties are added to the skillet and are cooked for 4–5 minutes on each side or until the color is a golden brown and the patties are heated through.

8. Gently take the patties from the skillet and, if necessary, let them sit on a paper towel to drain off excess oil.

9. Chickpea burgers can be served on your choice of buns or lettuce wraps. Add your favorite toppings.

10. Relish your tasty chickpea burgers, vegan and delish. Serve fresh; refrigerate for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Food processor
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Large skillet
5. Spatula
6. Mixing bowl
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Paper towels

FAQ

• Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?Certainly, fresh chickpeas can be utilized. It is imperative to ensure they are cooked to tenderness prior to usage, and when doing so, one should account for a yield of about 1.5 to 2 cups of the cooked product.
• How do I make a flax egg?Combine the ground flaxseed with water; let them sit for about 5 minutes until they thicken. Then mix them into the recipe. This is a way to make a recipe vegan by replacing the eggs.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?Replace the breadcrumbs with those that are gluten-free, and make sure your oats are certified to be free of gluten.
• How can I add more flavor to the patties?Herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added, along with extra spices for flavor, such as coriander or chili powder.
• Can these burgers be frozen?Indeed, the uncooked patties can be frozen. First, place them on a baking sheet and freeze that for a while. Before the patties become solid, remove them from the baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
• What should I serve with these burgers?Accompany them with your preferred plant-based accouterments, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, and any and all kinds of vegan mayonnaise; or couple them with some form of fresh salad or a side of sweet potato fries.
• How do I cook the patties?Sauté in a frying pan in olive oil, medium heat, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.

Chickpea Burger Vegan Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting with quick oats or breadcrumbs gives a slightly different texture; rolled oats have no true substitute.
Panko gives a crunchier texture to breaded foods, whereas ground almonds serve as a gluten-free option. Either option is fine to use when frying, for both taste and texture.
Flaxseed meal: Substitute with chia seeds (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a binding effect that is similar.
Coconut aminos is a soy sauce alternative that is free of soy. However, it may not be suitable for everyone due to its nutritional profile.

Nutritional benefits:
Coconut aminos is made from the sap of the coconut tree and has much more to offer nutrient-wise than soy sauce or tamari. For example, one tablespoon (15 mL) of coconut aminos has:

• 70 mg of sodium (compared to approximately 1,000 mg in other soy sauces)
• 15 calories
• <1 g of protein • 0 g of fat • 3 g of carbohydrates (mostly from sugars) • 5 g of amino acids • 1% of the daily value for niacin (B3) • 7.1% of the daily value for sodium (considered low). Substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil for a milder flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Texture Control For extra texture and flavor, add some chopped nuts or seeds such as sunflower seeds or walnuts to the mixture before forming the patties. This gives them a satisfying crunch and enhances the overall taste.

2. Enhance Flavor Consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture for a cheesy, umami flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten up the taste.

3. Binding Assurance If your mixture feels too crumbly or doesn’t hold together well when forming patties, add a tablespoon of aquafaba (the liquid from the chickpea can) as an additional binder.

4. Shape and Size Matters To ensure uniform cooking, use a measuring cup or a round cookie cutter to form your patties. This will make them consistent in size and thickness, which is important for even cooking.

5. Cooking Alternative If you’d like to reduce oil usage, consider baking the patties instead. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.