Green Falafel Smash Burgers: A Flavorful Plant-Based Twist on the Classic Burger

Introduction:

The traditional burger has been reimagined time and time again to meet the needs of those looking for healthier alternatives. However, few transformations can compare to the Green Falafel Smash Burger. This delightful creation merges the rich, herbaceous flavors of green falafel patties with the satisfying crunch of a smash burger, making it the perfect option for anyone craving a savory, plant-based meal. Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new, the Green Falafel Smash Burger is sure to impress.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about this delicious and nutritious burger. We’ll cover the recipe, its origin, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, variations, and frequently asked questions to ensure that you can create the best Green Falafel Smash Burger at home.

What is the Green Falafel Smash Burger?

The Green Falafel Smash Burger is an innovative fusion between the Middle Eastern falafel and the American smash burger. Typically, a falafel consists of chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices, which are formed into small patties and deep-fried. The Green Falafel Smash Burger takes this concept to the next level by “smashing” the falafel patties in a pan to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist. Paired with fresh toppings and served on a soft burger bun, this is a wholesome yet indulgent meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

The Origin of the Green Falafel Smash Burger:

While the Green Falafel Smash Burger itself is a modern twist, its inspiration can be traced back to the traditional falafel, a popular Middle Eastern dish that dates back to ancient Egypt. Falafel has long been a staple in the cuisines of the Levant, including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, where it is typically served as part of a mezze platter, in pita pockets, or as a sandwich.

The concept of “smash” burgers, on the other hand, is a relatively recent development in American burger culture. Smash burgers are typically made by pressing a meat patty onto a hot grill or skillet, which creates a crispy, caramelized crust. By combining the Middle Eastern falafel with the smash technique, the Green Falafel Smash Burger brings the best of both worlds: the bold flavors of falafel and the satisfying texture of a smashed patty.

Ingredients and Quantities:

To prepare this mouthwatering Green Falafel Smash Burger, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Green Falafel Patties:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Smash Burgers:

• 4 burger buns (use your favorite type, gluten-free buns if needed)
• Sliced cucumber (for topping)
• Sliced avocado (for topping)
• Sliced tomato (for topping)
• Vegan mayo or tahini sauce (optional)
• Fresh greens (like arugula or lettuce)

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the Green Falafel Mixture:

• In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Pulse until the mixture is well combined, but don’t overdo it—leave some texture in the falafel mixture.
• Add the baking powder and breadcrumbs, then pulse again until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to hold together. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
• Form the mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on how large or small you want your burgers.

2. Cook the Green Falafel Patties:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
• Place the falafel patties into the pan. Allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to get the “smash” effect, which gives them a crispy texture while keeping the inside moist and soft.
• Flip the patties gently and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

3. Prepare the Burger Buns and Toppings:

• Lightly toast your burger buns on the skillet or in the oven for extra crunch and flavor.
• Slice the cucumber, avocado, and tomato into thin rounds.
• Optionally, spread vegan mayo or tahini sauce on the bottom bun for a creamy touch.

4. Assemble the Green Falafel Smash Burgers:

• Place one falafel patty on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun.
• Layer with slices of cucumber, tomato, avocado, and a handful of fresh greens like arugula or lettuce.
• Top with the other half of the bun.

5. Serve and Enjoy!:

• Serve your Green Falafel Smash Burgers immediately with a side of sweet potato fries, a crunchy green salad, or pickles to add extra zest.

Variations of the Green Falafel Smash Burger:

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the falafel mixture for a spicy kick.
• Grilled Veggies: Enhance the burger with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added flavor.
• Cheese Option: For a non-vegan twist, add a slice of your favorite cheese (vegan or dairy-based) on top of the falafel patty before serving.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill to give the falafel a unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make the Green Falafel Smash Burger ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the falafel mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge for easy assembly later. Just make sure to form the patties before frying and assemble the burgers right before serving.

2. How do I make the falafel patties crispier?

To get extra crispy falafel patties, press them down firmly in the skillet to create more surface area for crisping. You can also add an extra tablespoon of olive oil while frying.

3. Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the falafel at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.

4. What can I serve with Green Falafel Smash Burgers?

These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or pickles. For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling a homemade tahini or garlic sauce over the burger.

5. Can I freeze the falafel patties?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked falafel patties by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them until firm. Afterward, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

The Green Falafel Smash Burger is not just a plant-based alternative to traditional burgers; it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers. With crispy, herby falafel patties, fresh toppings, and a perfectly toasted bun, this burger brings something new and exciting to your meal planning.

Whether you’re serving it to friends and family or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. Not only is it vegan and packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences.

So, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you for this healthy, crispy, and delicious Green Falafel Smash Burger experience!

Green Falafel Smash Burgers: A Flavorful Plant-Based Twist on the Classic Burger

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

The Green Falafel Smash Burger is an innovative fusion between the Middle Eastern falafel and the American smash burger. Typically, a falafel consists of chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices, which are formed into small patties and deep-fried. The Green Falafel Smash Burger takes this concept to the next level by “smashing” the falafel patties in a pan to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist. Paired with fresh toppings and served on a soft burger bun, this is a wholesome yet indulgent meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)

• 1 cup fresh parsley (roughly chopped)

• 1 cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Juice of half a lemon

For the Smash Burgers:

• 4 burger buns (use your favorite type, gluten-free buns if needed)

• Sliced cucumber (for topping)

• Sliced avocado (for topping)

• Sliced tomato (for topping)

• Vegan mayo or tahini sauce (optional)

• Fresh greens (like arugula or lettuce)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Falafel Mixture:

• In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

• Pulse until the mixture is well combined, but don’t overdo it—leave some texture in the falafel mixture.

• Add the baking powder and breadcrumbs, then pulse again until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to hold together. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.

• Form the mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on how large or small you want your burgers.

2. Cook the Green Falafel Patties:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

• Place the falafel patties into the pan. Allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to get the “smash” effect, which gives them a crispy texture while keeping the inside moist and soft.

• Flip the patties gently and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

3. Prepare the Burger Buns and Toppings:

• Lightly toast your burger buns on the skillet or in the oven for extra crunch and flavor.

• Slice the cucumber, avocado, and tomato into thin rounds.

• Optionally, spread vegan mayo or tahini sauce on the bottom bun for a creamy touch.

4. Assemble the Green Falafel Smash Burgers:

• Place one falafel patty on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun.

• Layer with slices of cucumber, tomato, avocado, and a handful of fresh greens like arugula or lettuce.

• Top with the other half of the bun.

5. Serve and Enjoy!:

• Serve your Green Falafel Smash Burgers immediately with a side of sweet potato fries, a crunchy green salad, or pickles to add extra zest.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tangy tahini sauce or a dollop of spicy harissa to your burger. You can also pair it with a refreshing cucumber and mint salad on the side for a light and vibrant meal. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings to make this dish your own!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Burger
• Method: Smashed
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Green Falafel Smash Burgers