Middle Eastern-Inspired Veggie Burger

A heart-healthy veggie burger recipe inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, designed to support a diet aimed at lowering high cholesterol.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup oat flour (or breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 whole wheat burger buns
  • Toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles)
  • Optional: hummus for serving

Instructions

In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until roughly chopped.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped chickpeas, quinoa, carrots, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the oat flour (or breadcrumbs) to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice to make a sauce.
Toast the burger buns.
Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on each bun, topping with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Serve the veggie burgers with a side of hummus, if desired.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving
Calories 250
Protein (g) 12
Carbs (g) 30
Fiber (g) 8
Sugar (g) 3
Saturated fat (g) 1
Trans fat (g) 0
Sodium (mg) 300
Cholesterol 0