This recipe was originally shared in the community class “Bean Bonanza” on January 17, 2012 led by Beth Kemp of Jumping Bean Farm.

Makes 4 large patties
(Adapted from Veggie Burgers Every Which Way by Lukas Volger)

Base

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one can drained and rinsed)
• 2 eggs
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 T)
• 1 tsp salt
• Spices of your choosing (see variations)
• Up to 3/4 cup of a combination of ‘extras’ to your choosing such as chopped veggies, steamed greens, onions, nuts or seeds.  (see variations)  
• 1/3 cup chickpea flour  or more if needed (can substitute fine grind cornmeal, wheat flour or dry breadcrumbs)
• 2 Tbsp oil (your favorite kind)

• Whole wheat buns or ciabatta rolls

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Combine 1-1/4 cups of the chickpeas (reserve about a ¼ cup) , the eggs, lemon juice, salt and the Variation Spices in a food processor. Puree until the mixture resembles a chunky hummus.

3. Add the remaining 1/4 cup beans, chickpea flour  and your chosen ‘extras’ to the food processor. Pulse 5-6 times until the mixture just comes together. The mixture should be sticky but firm, like a cookie dough. If to wet add more flour, 1 teaspoon at a time, pulsing a few times. If too dry add a bit of water.

4. In an cast iron skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. When hot, drop scoops of mixture to make 4-5 1/2” patties and cook until browned on each side, 6 to 10 minutes total. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the burgers are firm and cooked through. Alternately you can bake the patties without browning, but don't turn them while baking or they will fall apart.

5. Serve with condiments and enjoy!

The burgers can be frozen before or after cooking them.

Variations

Indian Style Seasoning

1 Tbsp Vindaloo style curry paste or one tablespoon curry powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 small onion (finely diced)
1 jalapeno (finely diced)

Top with chutney and mayo.

Mexican Style Seasoning (pictured above)
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chipotle powder

1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1 clove of garlic, minced

Top burgers with salsa and sour cream.

California Style Seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 medium green onions, chopped
3 Tbsp sesame seeds

Top finished burgers with avocado, pepper jack cheese and shredded carrots.

Greek Style Seasoning
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup Greek olives
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced

Top burgers with toppings like Greek yogurt and diced cucumber.