Hearty Plant-Based Veggie Burger (Printable)

Hearty chickpea and vegetable patties with classic burger fixings

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Veggie Patties

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 medium carrot, grated
03 - 1 small zucchini, grated and excess water squeezed out
04 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2/3 cup rolled oats
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 1 egg (or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water for vegan option)
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

→ For Assembling

14 - 4 whole wheat burger buns
15 - 4 lettuce leaves
16 - 1 large tomato, sliced
17 - 4 slices cheddar cheese (use vegan cheese for vegan option)
18 - 1 red onion, sliced into rings
19 - 4 tbsp mayonnaise or vegan mayo
20 - 2 tbsp ketchup
21 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
22 - 8-12 pickle slices

# Directions:

01 - Mash chickpeas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture for bite.
02 - Add grated carrot, zucchini, red onion, garlic, oats, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Stir in the egg or flaxseed mixture. Let stand 5 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture and improve binding.
04 - Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2 inch thick, pressing firmly to hold together.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
06 - Lightly toast burger buns while patties cook for added texture and warmth.
07 - Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun halves. Layer with lettuce, cooked patty, cheese slice, tomato, onion rings, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Crown with top bun.
08 - Serve immediately while patties are warm and cheese is melted.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The patties actually hold together instead of falling apart the moment you take a bite
  • You get that satisfying crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful
  • Everything comes together in under 45 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
02 -
  • Squeezing excess water from the grated zucchini is the difference between a patty that holds together and one that falls apart
  • Letting the mixture rest for those 5 minutes allows the oats to hydrate and bind everything properly
  • Dont press down on the patties while theyre cooking or youll lose those precious crispy edges
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the best crust possible
  • Let the patties rest for 2 minutes after cooking before serving
  • Warm your buns in the oven while the patties cook for that restaurant quality finish
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