If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with wholesome flavors and satisfying textures, you have to try this Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe. These burgers are a delightful blend of tender lentils and chickpeas combined with fresh veggies and spices, all perfectly complemented by a creamy, vibrant avocado green harissa. They are not only packed with protein and fiber but also boast a beautiful mix of colors and bold flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, these flavorful veggie burgers are a game changer for any meal, whether you’re cooking for guests or simply treating yourself to something nourishing and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together to make these veggie burgers extraordinary. Each component plays a role — from the hearty lentils and chickpeas to the fresh herbs and spices, and that zesty avocado green harissa that ties everything together.
- Lentils: Provides a soft yet sturdy base loaded with protein and fiber for hearty burgers.
- Chickpeas: Adds creaminess and subtle nuttiness, enhancing texture and taste.
- Carrot: Brings a slight sweetness and a pop of color, plus extra moisture.
- Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that deepen the savory notes.
- Oat flour (or blended oats): Acts as a natural binder, keeping the patties together perfectly.
- Eggs: Helps to bind the mixture and adds richness.
- Herbs and spices: Infuse the burgers with layers of flavor, making each bite exciting.
- Flour (for dusting): Makes shaping and cooking easier without sticking.
- Avocado: Creamy base for the green harissa, providing richness and a fresh twist.
- Green harissa ingredients: Bring a beautiful vibrant color and lively spice to elevate the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used both in cooking and blending the harissa for smoothness and depth.
How to Make Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oat Flour
Start by turning rolled oats into oat flour if you don’t already have some on hand. This is a fantastic gluten-free binder that adds a slight nuttiness and keeps your burgers from falling apart. Just blitz the oats in a food processor until they’re finely ground like flour, then set aside for later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, toss your carrot into the food processor with the grating blade to grate it finely, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Switch to the S-blade to roughly chop the onion and garlic — pulsing them gently helps retain their texture while releasing their wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
Now, add those towel-dried lentils and chickpeas, eggs, oats, your chosen herbs, spices, salt, and pepper into the processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches a chunky, hummus-like consistency. This texture ensures that your burgers will hold together while offering a pleasing bite. Finally, fold in your grated carrot for vibrant flecks of color and a bit of extra crunch.
Step 4: Shape Your Patties
Divide this hearty mixture evenly into six portions, shaping them into 1-inch-thick patties with your hands. If the mixture feels too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your hands or dust the patties lightly to make handling easier.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers to Golden Perfection
Heat a thin layer of oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for about 4 and a half to 5 minutes on each side, turning only once. The goal is a beautiful golden crust that locks in all the flavors and keeps the centers tender.
Step 6: Whip Up the Avocado Green Harissa
While the patties cook, clean out your food processor bowl and add all the harissa ingredients except the olive oil. Blend everything together while slowly drizzling in olive oil to create a smooth, creamy sauce. This green harissa is where the magic happens — creamy avocado meets fiery spice with a fresh, herbaceous kick.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
Toast your buns if you like them lightly crisped, which adds a lovely texture contrast. Place a warm veggie burger patty on each bun, generously spread on the avocado green harissa, and pile on your favorite toppings. Prepare for a satisfying, vibrant meal that hits all the right notes!
How to Serve Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it fresh and colorful with simple, crisp garnishes. Think bright lettuce, juicy tomato slices, red onion rings, and maybe a few peppery arugula leaves. Adding some crunchy pickles brings a tangy contrast that complements the creamy harissa beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe with oven-baked sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory balance or a crisp green salad that adds a refreshing crunch. Roasted veggies or quinoa salad also make excellent companions, keeping the meal wholesome and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Tired of the traditional bun? Try serving these patties atop a grain bowl with fresh herbs and extra harissa drizzled on top. Or swap buns for sturdy lettuce wraps for a low-carb, high-crunch option. For a fun twist, serve sliders as appetizers with mini buns, letting everyone snack and customize as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra patties, store them tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
These veggie burgers freeze beautifully. Place the shaped patties on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. This way, you have ready-to-cook burger patties anytime, perfect for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make them soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I make these veggie burgers vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to keep the patties binding well and still maintain a delicious texture.
What kind of lentils work best for this recipe?
Brown or green lentils are ideal because they hold their shape well after cooking, giving the burgers a nice texture without becoming mushy. Avoid red lentils as they tend to be too soft for patties.
Is the avocado green harissa very spicy?
It has a gentle kick but is balanced by the creamy avocado, making it flavorful without overpowering heat. You can always adjust the spice level by adding less or more of the harissa ingredients to suit your preference.
Can I bake the burgers instead of frying?
Yes! To bake, place the patties on a lined baking sheet and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is a bit lighter but still yields a lovely texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to dry the lentils and chickpeas well and use oat flour or blended oats as a binder along with eggs. Also, avoid over-processing the mixture; it should stay chunky enough to hold together when cooked.
Final Thoughts
Making the Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe is like inviting a burst of wholesome, vibrant flavors into your kitchen. They’re nourishing, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion where you’re craving something bold yet comforting. Give this recipe a try, and I promise these burgers will become one of your favorite go-to meals for a healthy and delicious twist on classic burger night!
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Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers are a hearty, flavorful plant-based alternative perfect for a nutritious meal. Made from a blend of lentils, chickpeas, oats, and fresh veggies, they are packed with protein and fiber. Served with a creamy, zesty avocado green harissa, these burgers bring a bright, spicy kick that elevates the classic veggie burger to a new level.
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (for oat flour)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cooked lentils, towel-dried
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, towel-dried
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (optional; such as parsley or cilantro)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flour (for dusting patties)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Avocado Green Harissa
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small green chili, seeded (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oat Flour: Place oats in a food processor fitted with the S-blade and blend until they form a fine, flour-like texture. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Make the Burger Mix: Replace the blade in the food processor with the grating blade and grate the carrot. Remove and set aside. Swap back to the S-blade. Add roughly chopped onion and garlic, then pulse until just chopped.
- Combine Ingredients: To the processor bowl, add the towel-dried lentils, chickpeas, eggs, oat flour, herbs (if using), spices, salt, and pepper. Pulse and process until the mixture reaches a chunky, hummus-like consistency. Stir in the grated carrot by hand.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1 inch thick. Lightly dust each side with flour if needed to prevent sticking and for easier handling.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, cook each patty for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes per side until firm and golden brown. Repeat with all patties, adding oil as needed.
- Prepare Avocado Green Harissa: Clean the food processor bowl thoroughly. Add avocado, cilantro, parsley, garlic, green chili, and lemon juice. Blend while slowly drizzling in olive oil until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble Burgers: Optionally toast burger buns. Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous layer of the avocado green harissa over the patty, add any desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or onion, and top with the remaining bun half. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure lentils and chickpeas are well-drained and dry to prevent soggy patties.
- Dusting patties with flour helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- The avocado green harissa can be made spicier or milder by adjusting the amount of chili used.
- These burgers can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking.
- For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs or other plant-based binders.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
