Imagine biting into a burger so packed with flavor, so bursting with Mediterranean charm, that you'll forget all about traditional meat patties. This Stuffed Mediterranean Veggie Burger isn't just a meal - it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience. With a perfect blend of protein-rich quinoa, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant herbs, these burgers promise to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Greek marinated tomatoes (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas using a potato masher or fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add cooled quinoa, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help maintain shape during cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the veggie burgers for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are heated through.
- While burgers are cooking, lightly toast the whole wheat burger buns.
- Place each cooked burger on a toasted bun and top generously with Greek marinated tomatoes.
- Serve immediately, optionally with additional fresh herbs or a side salad.
Tips
- Ensure your quinoa is completely cooled before mixing to prevent a mushy texture.
- Don't skip the indentation in the patty center - this helps them maintain shape and cook evenly.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan for the best golden-brown crust.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly dust the patties with additional breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Make sure to drain chickpeas thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your burger mixture.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint or dill to customize your flavor profile.
- If the mixture seems too wet, add a few extra breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
