Vegetarian Chickpea Burger with Tzatziki Sauce
Description:
This flavor-packed chickpea burger is a healthy, vegetarian alternative to meat-based patties. It’s made with mashed chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, grilled to a crispy golden brown. Topped with a refreshing homemade Tzatziki (Taz TikTok-style) sauce, this burger is creamy, tangy, and packed with Mediterranean flair.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
For the Chickpea Burger Patties:
1 ½ cups cooked or canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
½ small red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, mince
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
1 egg or flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Tzatziki (Taz TikTok) Sauce:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
¼ cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
1 tsp lemon juic
Salt to taste
For Assembly:
4 whole wheat or brioche buns
Lettuce or arugula
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onion
Pickles (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and salt.
Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
2. Make the Chickpea Patties:
Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, spices, and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse until coarse.
Add breadcrumbs and egg (or flax egg) and pulse until combined but not mushy.
Shape mixture into 4 equal patties. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Toast buns lightly.
Spread tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun.
Add lettuce, chickpea patty, tomato, red onion, and more sauce on top.
Cover with top bun and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Burger)
(Approximate, including bun and sauce)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 410 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fiber 9 g
Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Sugars 5 g
Sodium 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Q2: How do I make it vegan?
A: Use a flax egg and a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
Q3: Can I freeze the patties?
A: Absolutely. Freeze uncooked or cooked patties between parchment paper for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen or thaw and reheat.
Q4: What other toppings go well?
A: Avocado slices, grilled zucchini, or a drizzle of hot sauce pair wonderfully.
Q5: Is it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make it glut
en-free.