If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meal, the Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe is an absolute game changer. These patties are packed with protein-rich lentils and chickpeas, combined with vibrant spices and fresh herbs to create a burger that’s satisfying and irresistibly delicious. The creamy, zesty avocado green harissa brings an exciting, fresh kick that elevates every bite—making this dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try these veggie burgers, they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple staples that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge makes this recipe wonderfully approachable. Each ingredient plays a star role, from the hearty lentils and chickpeas that build the base, to the fresh vegetables and spices that soak up all the bold flavors and add texture and color.
- Lentils and Chickpeas: The protein-packed foundation providing a creamy, nutty texture with perfect bite.
- Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to keep things fresh and lively.
- Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that bring depth and savory notes to every mouthful.
- Oat Flour (or blended oats): Acts as a natural binder, keeping the patties together without any fuss.
- Eggs: Help to bind the mixture for perfect patties that hold their shape during cooking.
- Herbs and Spices: Key to layering flavor; you can customize to match your personal spice preferences.
- Avocado: Makes the green harissa luxuriously creamy and refreshing, balancing the spices beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the harissa and helps create those perfect crispy edges on the burgers.
- Harissa Spices: Infuse the sauce with a smoky, vibrant heat that wakes up your taste buds.
How to Make Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oat Flour
Start by turning your oats into oat flour if you don’t have any on hand. Just blend rolled oats in a food processor with the S-blade until they reach a fine, flour-like texture. This simple ingredient is the glue that holds your patties together, giving them a lovely consistency without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 2: Make the Burger Mix
Grate the carrot using your food processor’s grating blade and set this aside—it adds a fresh sweetness and moisture. Switch to the S-blade and roughly chop the onion and garlic. Give them a few pulses until finely chopped but not pureed; you want a bit of texture here. These aromatics are crucial for giving your burgers a burst of savory flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Base
Add the towel-dried lentils and chickpeas to the food processor along with eggs, oats, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture forms a chunky hummus-like texture. This balance between smooth and chunky is key to a patty that’s flavorful yet firm. Then fold in the grated carrot, which brings in freshness and subtle sweetness to the mix.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a one-inch-thick patty. If the mixture feels sticky or too moist, dust the patties lightly with flour to help them brown beautifully and handle easily without crumbling.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the patties for about 4 and a half to 5 minutes on each side, allowing a firm crust to form and beautiful golden-brown color to develop. This step is where the magic happens—those crispy edges add such a delicious contrast to the tender inside.
Step 6: Make Avocado Green Harissa
Clear the food processor bowl and combine all the harissa ingredients except olive oil first. Then, blend the mixture while slowly drizzling in olive oil until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. The avocado mellows the spicy harissa, turning it into a velvety, vibrant accompaniment that complements the burgers wonderfully.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
Toast your buns if you like for added crunch and warmth. Layer each bun bottom with a veggie patty, slather a generous amount of avocado green harissa on top, then add your favorite burger toppings. Serve immediately and dig into the satisfying, flavor-packed delight you just created.
How to Serve Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lettuce, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, or crisp pickles add bright contrast and extra crunch. For an herby touch, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley—this enhances the fresh notes in the avocado green harissa and ties everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try sweet potato fries for a touch of natural sweetness, a crisp green salad for lightness, or roasted Mediterranean veggies to keep the meal colorful and well-rounded. The richness of the avocado harissa balances out flavors perfectly with these sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional bun, serve your Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe on grilled portobello mushrooms or inside whole-grain pita pockets for a twist. You can also transform them into a hearty salad topping or even sliders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer— versatility is part of the fun with this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, these veggie burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado green harissa separate in a covered jar to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color before serving.
Freezing
If you want to make your life even easier, these patties freeze beautifully. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick meal anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated burgers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that fabulous crust intact. For the harissa, just give it a gentle stir or pulse to refresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the patties vegan?
Yes! You can replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to keep the patties vegan-friendly without sacrificing texture or hold.
What kind of lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils are ideal since they hold their shape well and provide a nice, earthy flavor. Avoid red lentils as they tend to get too mushy and may affect the texture.
How spicy is the avocado green harissa?
The harissa brings a gentle to moderate heat depending on how much chili you use, but the creamy avocado balances it out to a refreshing, smooth sauce that’s not overwhelming for most palates.
Can I prepare the burger mix in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it, which even helps the flavors meld together. Just be sure to shape and cook the patties fresh for best texture.
What are some good toppings to add?
Go classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles or get creative with grilled onions, roasted peppers, feta cheese, or even a smear of vegan mayo to complement the avocado green harissa and elevate your burger experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a homemade veggie burger that’s bursting with flavor and texture, and the Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe delivers exactly that. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian, a flexitarian, or just looking to shake up dinner routine, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will make your taste buds dance. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and experience how the fresh, vibrant harissa takes these burgers to the next level. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa are flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal. Made with hearty lentils, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables, these patties are pan-fried to a golden crisp and paired with a vibrant avocado green harissa sauce for an exciting twist.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 cup oats (for oat flour)
- 1 large 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
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional), 2 tbsp chopped
- Spices: 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour or oat flour, for dusting patties
- 2 tbsp olive oil or other cooking oil
Avocado Green Harissa
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 jalapeño or green chili, seeded
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil (to drizzle in)
To Serve
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
Instructions
- Prepare Oat Flour: Blend the oats in a food processor using the S-blade until they reach a fine, flour-like texture. Set this oat flour aside for dusting the patties later.
- Make the Burger Mix: Using the grating blade in the food processor, grate the carrot and set aside. Replace the grating blade with the S-blade and pulse the roughly chopped onion and garlic until just chopped.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the towel-dried lentils and chickpeas, eggs, oats, optional fresh herbs, spices, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse and process until the mixture reaches a chunky, hummus-like consistency. Then stir in the grated carrot by hand.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a 1-inch-thick patty. Lightly dust both sides with flour or oat flour if needed for easier handling.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the patties and cook for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes per side, until firm and browned. Repeat the process with any remaining patties, adding more oil as necessary.
- Prepare Avocado Green Harissa: Clean the food processor bowl and add all harissa ingredients except the olive oil. Blend them while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast the burger buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of avocado green harissa on the bottom bun, place the cooked veggie burger on top, and add preferred toppings such as lettuce or tomato. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you can’t find cooked lentils or chickpeas, canned versions work well; just drain and pat dry thoroughly before using.
- For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and adjust binding accordingly.
- The avocado green harissa can be made spicier by leaving the seeds in the jalapeño or adding chili flakes.
- These patties can be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes as an alternative to pan frying, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
