Description
These delicious falafel burgers combine the classic Middle Eastern flavors of chickpeas, garlic, and spices into a satisfying vegetarian patty. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with creamy houmous and fresh watercress on toasted burger buns, they make a perfect meat-free alternative for any burger lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Falafel Patties
- 250g canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Small pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 rounded tbsp plain flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
To Serve
- 100g houmous
- 4 burger buns, cut in half
- Watercress, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain, rinse, and thoroughly dry the canned chickpeas, then place them into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the chickpeas until they break up into coarse crumbs, ensuring a slightly textured mixture for the patties.
- Make the Falafel Mixture: Add finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, chopped flat-leaf parsley, plain flour, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse again until all ingredients are combined into a sticky, workable mixture suitable for forming into patties.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, gently shape the mixture into 4 even patties, each about 10cm in diameter and 2cm thick. Handle the mixture gently to keep the texture light and not overly compressed.
- Fry the Falafel Patties: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly griddle the burger buns on the cut side in a griddle pan or toast them under the grill until they are slightly crisp and warm.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous layer of houmous on one side of each bun. Place a falafel patty on top, add a handful of fresh watercress, and cover with the remaining bun half. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Drying the chickpeas thoroughly before processing helps achieve the right texture for the falafel patties.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little more plain flour to help bind.
- You can prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute plain flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, cucumber, or tahini sauce for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: falafel burgers, vegetarian burgers, chickpea patties, Middle Eastern recipe, healthy burgers, homemade falafel
