Mediterranean Falafel Burger Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean falafel burger is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic falafel, served in a bun with tangy yogurt sauce and crisp vegetables. It’s a delicious vegetarian option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 4 hamburger buns
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup shredded cucumber, water squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 6 oz. feta cheese, sliced
• 8 tomato slices
• 4 red onion slices
• 4 leaves of lettuce

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, flour, cilantro, cumin, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pulse about 10 times until the mixture is combined and holds together.
2. Step 2: Place five sheets of paper towel on the counter. Transfer the mixture onto the towels and press to squeeze out excess liquid. Add more towels if needed. Shape the mixture into 4 patties using your hands.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a medium nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until golden brown on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned, about 4 more minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until combined. Spread the sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each hamburger bun.
5. Step 5: Assemble the burgers by placing a falafel patty on each bun bottom. Top with feta cheese slices, tomato slices, red onion slices, and lettuce leaves. Cover with the top bun and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier patty, refrigerate the shaped patties for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap the vegetable oil for olive oil to add a richer flavor.
• Try adding a slice of avocado or a drizzle of tahini sauce for extra creaminess.
• If you prefer a spicier burger, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store any leftover falafel patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep them crispy. Keep the yogurt sauce separate and add fresh toppings when assembling leftovers to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas thoroughly before using. This changes the texture slightly but will still work well in the patties.

Can I bake the falafel patties instead of frying?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Mediterranean Falafel Burger Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious Mediterranean Falafel Burger made with homemade chickpea patties, fresh herbs, and a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce, served on soft hamburger buns with feta cheese and fresh vegetables. This flavorful vegetarian burger combines crispy, golden falafel with creamy toppings for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Falafel Patties

• 1 (14.5 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Yogurt Cucumber Sauce

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup shredded cucumber, water squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

For Serving

• 4 hamburger buns
• 6 oz. feta cheese, sliced
• 8 tomato slices
• 4 red onion slices
• 4 leaves of lettuce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the falafel mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, flour, cilantro, cumin, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pulse about 10 times until the mixture is well combined and begins to come together, ensuring it is coarse but holds shape.
2. Drain excess moisture: Place five sheets of paper towel on your counter. Transfer the falafel mixture onto the towels and gently squeeze out any excess liquid using additional towels if needed. This step helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
3. Shape the falafel patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into four evenly sized patties, about the size of hamburger buns, and set aside.
4. Cook the falafel patties: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties and cook for about 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest on a plate.
5. Make the yogurt cucumber sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, shredded cucumber (with liquid squeezed out), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
6. Assemble the burgers: Spread the yogurt cucumber sauce on the tops and bottoms of each hamburger bun. Place one falafel patty on each bottom bun, then layer with slices of feta cheese, tomato, red onion, and lettuce. Top with the other bun halves and serve immediately.

Notes

• To remove excess liquid from the falafel mixture thoroughly is key to getting crispy patties.
• If you want a spicier falafel, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use a nonstick pan to prevent sticking and to help achieve a nice crust on the patties.
• The cucumber should be well drained to avoid watery sauce and soggy buns.
• These falafel burgers are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in a pan before assembling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: falafel burger, Mediterranean burger, vegetarian burger, chickpea patties, Greek yogurt sauce, homemade falafel