Chickpea Burgers with Spicy Harissa Yogurt Sauce

These sweetly spiced burgers bring Middle Eastern flavors to your next gathering and you don’t even need a grill to cook them! The flavorful spicy yogurt sauce tops off the dish, which can be served on traditional burger buns or lettuce leaves.

This recipe comes to us from Wellness By Kristen.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Chickpea Burgers

• 15 oz. cooked chickpeas, drained (if using canned) and rinsed
• 1 cup diced red onion (about 1 small)
• 1 cup diced carrot (about 2 medium)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 1 cup parsley, stems removed
• 5-6 mint leaves, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Spicy Harissa Yogurt

• 1/2 cup Greek or dairy-free yogurt
• 2 – 2.5 teaspoons harissa*
• 1/2 teaspoon honey or agave
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Toppings

• 4 whole wheat burger buns or Bibb lettuce leaves
• Sliced red onion
• Sliced tomato
• Parsley

Directions

In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook another minute before adding in the carrots.

Cook the onion, garlic and carrot mixture for 8 minutes or until the carrots have softened. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove the mixture from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Add the mixture to a food processor along with the chickpeas, parsley, mint, tahini, cumin, sea salt and pepper. Pulse a few times to start combining the mixture then blend for about 25-30 seconds or until mixture is crumbly and can be formed into a patty when pressed together. Be careful not to create a paste.

Form the mixture into 4 equal patties and set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the burgers in the pan and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes each side or until the are lightly browned and easily release from the pan.

While the burgers cook, prepare the spicy harissa yogurt sauce by whisking together all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

Once burgers are cooked, assemble using your choice of bun and toppings. Place a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce on top of each burger and enjoy!

*Nutritional information reflects nutrition for chickpea burgers and sauce only