Chickpea burgers

Chickpea burgers are a great vegetarian alternative that’s rich in proteins to classic meat burgers. Here is a version with an Italian twist you might enjoy:

Ingredients

• 400 g of cooked chickpeas (or a can of already cooked chickpeas)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon of flour (either chickpea or wheat)
• 1 egg (optional, for a vegan version you can omit it or replace it with one tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with a bit of water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for cooking

For an even more Italian touch, you might add:

• A pinch of chopped rosemary or basil
• A tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese (if you don’t mind that the recipe is not vegan)

Preparation

1. If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well to remove excess liquid.
2. In a food processor, chop the chickpeas until you get a homogeneous mixture but still with some chunks to maintain a pleasant texture.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the finely chopped garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, flour, and if you wish, the egg or its substitute. Season with salt, pepper, and any aromatic herbs as you like.
4. Mix everything well until you get a consistent mixture. If it seems too soft, you can add a little more flour or breadcrumbs.
5. Form the burgers with your hands, try to make them the same size for even cooking.
6. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan and cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve them hot, possibly accompanied by hamburger buns, some salad leaves, tomato slices, and sauces to your liking.

Fun Fact

Chickpea burgers are a versatile dish that can be adapted to many variations. In Italy, it is common to use aromatic herbs and local cheeses to enhance the flavor. You can experiment with different types of herbs and cheeses to find the combination you prefer.