Veggie Burger Recipe

 

Matt and I are red meat lovers.  While we rarely eat it for health and financial reasons, we enjoy a good burger on occasion.  That being said, I am NOT a vegetarian though I do try to eat a plant based diet.  The only veggie burger I have ever really had prior to this one was from P.M. in Nashville, TN and just because it is one of the best burgers in town.  I decided to give this recipe a try and I like it for three reasons.  It is super healthy, proved to be pretty easy to make, and it gave me something fun, different, and unique to try.  So give it a try even if you don't normally eat veggie burgers! 

Chickpea Burger

(PS- Chickpeas are the BEST :))

Equipment needed:  food processor

2 1/2 cups canned chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed (or if you are really a daredevil soak them over night and prepare fresh, dry chickpeas!)
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 onion, chopped
Grated zest of one large lemon
1 cup micro sprouts, chopped (try brocolli, onion, or alfalfa sprouts - optional)
1 cup toasted (whole-grain) bread crumbs (home-made is better, of course)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or clarified butter)

Combine chickpeas, eggs, and salt in a food processor.  Puree until it is the consistency of a thick hummus.  You can keep it a little chunky to maintain texture.  Pour into a mixing bowl and stir in cilantro, onion, zest, and the sprouts.  Stir in the breadcrumbs and allow to sit for a few minutes.  This will allow the breadcrumbs to soak in some of the moisture.  Form them into patties.  You can make a bunch of tiny, cute patties, or a few larger ones.  Put olive oil on a skillet on med-hi heat and cook for about 7-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown on each side.  Take them off the heat and enjoy.  You can add toppings such as avocado, spinach, tomato, grilled veggies-whatever you want!  I enjoyed mine on whole wheat bread with lots of spinach to top it off!  Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think.