Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
There’s something downright magical about the perfect homemade veggie burger, and the Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa truly deliver on all fronts: hearty texture, vibrant color, and knockout flavor. These burgers combine earthy lentils, creamy chickpeas, sweet carrot, and aromatic spices into a satisfying patty, then crown it all with a punchy avocado green harissa that’s luscious, zippy, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based cook or just exploring, every bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flair!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list—each component brings something special to the table, from bold flavor to vivid colors and perfect burger structure. With a handful of kitchen staples and a few bright herbs, you’re set to whip up the most irresistible Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa!
- Cooked lentils (1 cup): Green or brown lentils are ideal, offering a hearty base and nutty flavor with plenty of protein.
- Canned chickpeas (1 cup, rinsed & drained): For creamy texture and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with lentils.
- Grated carrot (1/2 cup): Brings a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Finely chopped red onion (1/4 cup): Adds savory bite and lively crunch.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Essential for deep, aromatic flavor in both burger and sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup for sauce): Infuses freshness and a burst of green in every bite.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Warms up the burgers with subtle spice and Mediterranean spirit.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a smoky, savory element that elevates the whole patty.
- Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a faint citrus note keeping flavors bright and lively.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The essential seasoning duo—make sure to taste and adjust!
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon for burgers, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Brings tang and balance to both patty and harissa.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, plus extra if needed): The secret to patties that hold their shape and have just the right chew.
- Egg (1, or flax egg for vegan): Binds the mixture beautifully so it doesn’t fall apart in the pan.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons for cooking, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Adds moisture and helps achieve crispy, golden edges.
- Avocado (1 ripe): The creamy, dreamy star of your green harissa sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (1 cup): Loads of herby brightness and color for the sauce.
- Small green chili or jalapeño (1 small, seeded): The hint of heat that brings the harissa to life.
- Water (2–3 tablespoons, as needed): Helps the sauce blend up smooth and spreadable.
How to Make Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
Start by gathering your food processor and placing the cooked lentils and chickpeas inside. Pulse them just a few times until they’re broken down but not totally puréed—you want some texture for that classic burger bite. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl, then add the grated carrot, red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, and your egg or flax egg. Mix well until everything is happily mingling.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Patties
If the mixture seems a bit too sticky to handle, don’t worry—just sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together easily in your hands. Form the mixture into four even patties, each about 3/4-inch thick. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then cook the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the outsides look golden and crisp and the burgers feel firm when pressed gently.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Green Harissa
While the burgers cook, whip up the star sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, extra parsley, chopped green chili or jalapeño, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt. Start blending and drizzle in water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Taste and adjust the seasonings—some like it spicy and tangy, others prefer it more herbaceous.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Time for the grand finish! Pop the warm patties onto your favorite burger buns or lettuce wraps, then lavish them with spoonfuls of the avocado green harissa. Stack on any extra toppings you love and serve immediately—these Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa are at their absolute best hot and fresh.
How to Serve Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa
Garnishes
Make your burgers shine by generously spooning extra avocado green harissa over the top, then sprinkling with fresh herbs, sliced radishes, or even a handful of microgreens. A squeeze of lemon perks up everything and a few thin slivers of red onion add both color and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa with a crisp Mediterranean salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted seasonal veggies. A pile of quick-pickled cucumbers or a scoop of quinoa tabbouleh brings bright, refreshing notes that round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Glam up dinner by serving these burgers on grilled sourdough, tucked into pita bread, or wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves for a lighter take. If you’re feeling playful, turn mini patties into sliders for a fun party dish—just don’t forget those vibrant green harissa swirls on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra patties, let them cool completely, then stack them between pieces of parchment paper in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavors deepen and meld even more over time.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, freeze the uncooked or cooked patties individually wrapped in plastic, then tuck them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—perfect for quick meals down the line.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place burgers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the edges are crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but a quick skillet reheat really brings back that just-cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I make these Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa completely vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use vegan-friendly breadcrumbs, and you’re set. No one will miss the egg at all with that juicy, flavorful patty.
What type Main Course
Go for green or brown lentils, as they hold their shape better. Red lentils become too mushy and won’t give you that satisfying burger texture that makes Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa such a treat.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve the burgers on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps, the entire meal stays gluten free. It’s an easy swap with no flavor compromise.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
You sure can! Bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet, brushing or spraying lightly with oil, for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get a slightly drier texture but still plenty of flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the avocado green harissa?
Feel free to control the heat by using less chili or opting for a mild green pepper. If you love more kick, leave some seeds in or add extra jalapeño. The sauce is totally customizable to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself the treat of making these Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa at home—you’ll fall in love with every flavorful, nourishing bite. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to veggie burger recipe; it’s that downright delicious!
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Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa are a delicious and nutritious plant-based burger option. Packed with protein and fiber, these burgers are flavorful and satisfying, especially when topped with the creamy avocado green harissa.
Ingredients
Lentil-Chickpea Patties:
1 cup cooked green or brown lentils; 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup grated carrot; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus more if needed); 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Avocado Green Harissa:
1 ripe avocado; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup fresh parsley; 1 small green chili (or 1/2 jalapeño), seeded; 1 clove garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 2–3 tablespoons water, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentil-Chickpea Patties: In a food processor, pulse lentils and chickpeas just until broken down but not fully puréed. Transfer to a bowl and add carrot, red onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined, adding more breadcrumbs if mixture is too wet.
- Cook the Patties: Shape into 4 patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and firm.
- Make the Avocado Green Harissa: Blend avocado, cilantro, parsley, green chili, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust seasoning and thickness to taste.
- Serve: Serve burgers on buns or lettuce wraps, topped generously with the avocado green harissa.
Notes
- Make the patties ahead and refrigerate for easier handling.
- The green harissa also works as a dip or salad dressing.
- For a gluten-free option, use GF breadcrumbs and serve on lettuce or GF buns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg (0mg if vegan)
