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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Shape the falafel patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into four evenly sized patties, about the size of hamburger buns, and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
