The Ultimate Falafel Burger a Middle Eastern Delight

The Ultimate Falafel Burger Middle Eastern Delight

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a burger night with a Middle Eastern twist? This falafel burger recipe is about to become your new obsession. Honestly, who needs meat when you have these flavor bombs?

Brief Overview

Falafel's been around for ages, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. This vegetarian falafel recipe takes that deliciousness and slaps it between two buns.

It's a falafel easy recipe , ready in about 1 hour 50 minutes, including chilling time, and makes 4 burgers.

Main Benefits

High protein falafel keeps you feeling full and satisfied. This healthy burger alternative is perfect for a casual dinner party.

What makes this recipe special? The crispy, spiced falafel patties and the burst of fresh flavors in every bite.

Say Hello to the Ultimate Falafel Burger

Ever wondered if you could turn those yummy falafel balls into a Middle Eastern burger experience? Well, wonder no more! We're diving headfirst into crafting the homemade falafel burger of your dreams.

And trust me, it’s easier than you think.

What Makes This Recipe So Awesome?

Forget boring veggie burgers. This isn't just any old vegan burger recipe . It's a flavor explosion. Imagine biting into a crispy chickpea burger packed with fresh herbs and spices.

Honestly, your taste buds will thank you.

What You’ll Need

Let's get prepped, shall we? You'll need 200g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, one chopped onion, 12g minced garlic, 30g fresh parsley, 15g cilantro, 20g all-purpose flour, 15g tahini, 3g cumin, 3g coriander, 2g baking powder, 1g cayenne pepper, 5g salt, 3g pepper, and 500ml vegetable oil for frying.

For the burger, grab 4 buns, 120g hummus and tzatziki, a sliced tomato, 1/2 a cucumber, and some lettuce. Trust me, get good quality buns.

Let's Talk Ingredients and Kit, Shall We?

Right, so you're thinking of making this cracking falafel burger ? Ace! Before we dive in, let's make sure we've got our ducks in a row.

Ingredients are key! It's like painting, you need the right colours!

Main Ingredients for Vegetarian Falafel Heaven

Alright, for the falafel patties , you'll need:

1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight. Seriously, overnight! No cheating. Don't even think about canned chickpeas. You'll thank me later.
1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped, think about 150g .
4 cloves garlic, minced. That's about 12g . Vampire repellent, innit?
1 cup packed fresh parsley, roughly chopped (approx. 30g ).
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (approx. 15g ).
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( 20g ). Helps bind the high protein falafel .
1 tablespoon tahini ( 15g ).
1 teaspoon ground cumin ( 3g ).
1 teaspoon ground coriander ( 3g ).
1/2 teaspoon baking powder ( 2g ).
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste) ( 1g ).
1 teaspoon salt ( 5g ).
1/2 teaspoon black pepper ( 3g ).
Vegetable oil, for frying, about 2 cups (500ml) .

For the burger assembly:

4 burger buns. Brioche is my fave.
1/2 cup hummus ( 120g ).
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce ( 120g ).
1 tomato, sliced.
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced.
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced.
Lettuce leaves.

Chickpea Quality: You want plump, fresh looking dried chickpeas. Avoid anything dusty or discolored. Trust me, it makes a difference in the Falafel Easy Recipe .

Seasoning Magic for Your Vegetarian Falafel Recipe

Cumin and coriander are the heart and soul. Cayenne adds a kick. If you're feeling adventurous, chuck in a pinch of smoked paprika.

Ground cardamom can add a sweet note. It can take your homemade falafel burger into another level.

Equipment Keep it Simple, Stupid!

Food processor. A must have.
Large bowl.
Small bowl.
Deep frying pan or pot.
Slotted spoon.
Paper towels.
Burger press (optional).
Toaster or grill for buns.

Don't sweat if you don't have fancy equipment. A good old fork and a frying pan will do the trick.

Think resourcefulness! If you're making a vegan burger recipe like this then it's the perfect healthy burger alternative

Right, that's the gear sorted. Ready to cook a Middle Eastern burger ? Let's get cracking!

Alright, let's dive headfirst into making the best falafel burger you've ever tasted! Forget those bland veggie burgers. We're going full-on Middle Eastern flavour explosion here.

Honestly, once you try this, you'll never look at a shop bought patty the same way again. I'm talking proper homemade falafel burger goodness.

Mastering the Cooking Method

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First, get everything prepped. That's called your "mise en place". Soak those dried chickpeas overnight. It's a must! Chop your onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro.

It will be much easier that way. Have all your spices measured out. It will save you so much time later.

Safety Reminder: Be careful when chopping. You don’t want to cut a finger!

step-by-step: Falafel Fry-Up!

Drain those soaked chickpeas. Seriously . Drain them well!
Food processor time! Chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, flour, tahini, spices go in! Pulse until it's a coarse mix.
Chill out! Pop that mix in the fridge for at least 1 hour . Don't skip this step!
Shape those beauties. Form into patties. A burger press helps, or just use your hands.
Fry time! Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry patties for 3- 4 minutes each side. Golden brown, baby!
Drain the excess oil. Use a slotted spoon and paper towels to get rid of the oil.
Toast those buns. Lightly toast them. You don’t want them to burn!
Assemble your burger with hummus, tzatziki, tomato, cucumber, onion, and lettuce.

Pro Tips for Unbelievable Vegetarian Falafel

Don't over process the chickpea mixture. You're not making hummus! A slightly coarse texture makes a much better falafel patty . Hot oil is key.

It should be 350° F ( 175° C) . Not hot enough, and you'll get soggy falafel patties . Also, you can prepare the Vegetarian Falafel mixture the day before.

This give the flavors time to meld.

I made a high protein falafel a few weeks ago. It was fantastic. The Chickpea burger tasted delicious and had so much flavor.

I made my first Falafel easy recipe back when I was in college. This Vegetarian Falafel recipe is super flexible.

It's a healthy burger alternative . You can adjust the spices to your own taste. I have even baked the Falafel Patties when I was feeling lazy.

You can find all the ingredients for the vegan burger recipe at your local supermarket.

I hope you give this Middle Eastern burger a go. It's a total game changer. You get all of the delicious spices and textures of a falafel burger without all of the meat!

Recipe Notes for Your Falafel Burger Adventure

Right then, let's talk about making this homemade falafel burger experience even better. These are just a few extra bits and bobs I've learned along the way.

Honestly, I've made a few dodgy batches of vegetarian falafel in my time!

Serving Like a Pro

Want to make your falafel burger look the business? Try plating it open faced. Slap some hummus on one side, tzatziki on the other, and pile the high protein falafel patty in the middle.

Garnish with extra herbs. Honestly, presentation makes all the difference.

For sides, a simple Greek salad cuts through the richness. Fancy a drink? A mint lemonade is just the ticket. These crispy falafel patties taste amazing with a zingy side.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? The falafel patties will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them in an airtight container.

Fancy making a big batch? You can freeze uncooked falafel easy recipe . Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Fry from frozen for best results.

Reheating is easy. A quick zap in the microwave works. I prefer reheating them in a pan with a little oil. This helps crisp them up.

Tweaks and Twists: Vegetarian Falafel Customization

Feeling adventurous? Why not make a spicy chickpea burger ? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the Vegetarian Falafel Recipe for a bit of a kick.

For a gluten-free vegan burger recipe , swap the flour in the falafel patties for chickpea flour. Easy peasy!

For a change up with the seasons swap the usual parsley and cilantro mix to basil.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

These falafel burgers are packed with protein and fiber. Each serving has around 25g of protein and 10g of fiber. Now that's impressive for a healthy burger alternative !

Remember, this Middle Eastern burger is a great way to get your veggies in. It offers good source of iron and complex carbs.

Right, that's it from me. Go on, get cooking! With just a little bit of practice, you will get the perfect recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my falafel burgers falling apart when I fry them? Is it like trying to hold onto jelly?!

Oh dear, soggy falafel! That usually means the mixture is too wet or hasn't been chilled for long enough. Make sure you drain the soaked chickpeas really well and pat them dry before processing. The chilling step (at least an hour) is crucial to firm up the mixture so it holds its shape in the fryer.

Think of it like letting a good cuppa steep - patience is key!

Can I bake these falafel burgers instead of frying them? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you know?

Absolutely! Baking is a great way to make a slightly healthier falafel burger. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy as the fried version, but they will still be delicious and much lighter.

Think more "lean in 15" than traditional fish and chips!

What's the best way to store leftover falafel burger patties? Can I freeze them?

Leftover falafel patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a frying pan until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked falafel patties.

Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. Just defrost and reheat when you're ready for a cheeky burger fix!

I don't have tahini. Can I still make this falafel burger recipe, or is it a key ingredient?

No worries, tahini is a great addition, but not essential! It adds a certain nuttiness and helps bind the mixture. You can substitute with a tablespoon of sesame oil mixed with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar flavor profile and binding effect.

It’s all about making do, just like on "The Good Life"!

Can I use canned chickpeas for this falafel burger recipe? It's a bit of a faff soaking them overnight.

Using dried chickpeas for falafel is very important! Canned chickpeas simply don't give you the right texture. They're too soft and will result in a mushy, rather sad burger. The slight dryness of soaked (but not cooked) dried chickpeas is key to the falafel holding together and having that lovely crispy exterior.

Think of it as the secret ingredient like Paddington's love for marmalade!

What are some good variations to make my falafel burger a bit different? Fancy a culinary adventure!

Ooh, let's get experimental! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the falafel mixture. You could also try adding different herbs, like mint or dill, in addition to or instead of the parsley and cilantro.

Get creative with your toppings, too - pickled onions, a dollop of harissa paste, or some crumbled feta cheese can really elevate your falafel burger. Channel your inner Jamie Oliver and get creative!