Hearty Plant-Based Veggie Burger (Printable version)

Protein-rich chickpea patties with fresh vegetables, oats, and aromatic spices on toasted buns

# Ingredients list:

→ 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 - 1/2 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

# Steps:

01 - Mash chickpeas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth while maintaining some texture for bite.
02 - Add grated carrot, zucchini, red onion, garlic, oats, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Stir in the egg or flaxseed mixture. Allow the combined mixture to rest for 5 minutes so oats absorb excess moisture and improve binding.
04 - Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through completely.
06 - Lightly toast burger buns while patties are cooking to prevent sogginess and add texture.
07 - Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun halves. Layer with lettuce, cooked veggie patty, cheddar cheese, tomato slices, onion rings, pickle slices, ketchup, and mustard. Place top bun and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The chickpea and oat base creates patties that actually hold together instead of crumbling the moment you pick them up
  • You can customize the toppings endlessly and they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Squeezing every drop of water from the grated zucchini is the difference between patties that hold together and ones that fall apart
  • Letting the mixture rest for those 5 minutes allows the oats to hydrate and become the glue that keeps everything intact
03 -
  • Preheat your pan properly so the patties develop a nice crust without sticking
  • Dont press down on the patties while cooking or you will lose those precious juices and texture
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