Seared Falafel Burgers Recipes

FALAFEL BURGERS

Steps:

• Pulse the chickpeas, garlic, half each of the scallions, cilantro and pickled peppers, the panko and cumin in a food processor until smooth, about 3 minutes. Form into 4 thin 3-inch patties.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until a golden crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt with the pickled pepper brine in a medium bowl and season with salt. Toss the salad greens, chopped tomato and the remaining scallions and cilantro with half of the yogurt dressing in a large bowl.
• Put the falafel patties on the sandwich thins; top with the sliced tomato and the remaining yogurt dressing and pickled peppers. Serve with the salad.

FALAFEL

Steps:

• For the Falafel: Drain the chickpeas through a colander then place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Chickpeas should be totally dry.
• Heat 4-inches peanut or vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 330 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
• While the oil is heating, heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and serrano chiles and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the chickpeas to a food processor, add the garlic mixture, green onions, parsley, mint, cilantro, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt and pepper and process until the mixture is finely ground, stopping to scrape the bowl every 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Form the mixture into balls the size of ping pong balls and place on a plate. Fry in batches at 330 degrees F until a pale blonde color, about 45 seconds, spooning oil over the falafel constantly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the baking sheet. Increase the heat of the oil to 350 degrees F. Return the falafel to the oil, in batches, cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds and fry until a deep brown color, spooning the oil over the falafel constantly. Remove with a slotted spoon to baking sheet lined with paper towels, and immediately season with salt.
• For the yogurt sauce: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, covered, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Variation: Substitute 2 cups feta cheese for the yogurt, and add 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley.
• For the hummus: Place beans, garlic, harissa, lemon juice, and tahini in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• For the relish: Whisk the oil, vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss. The tomatoes should be lightly dressed.
• Serve falafel with yogurt sauce, hummus and relish on the side.

FALAFEL BURGERS

Steps:

• In 12-inch skillet over medium heat, in 1 tablespoon hot olive oil, cook red onion and garlic about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• To food processor, add one-fourth of garbanzo beans, lemon juice and salt; pulse canned spinach until mixture is a smooth paste. Add remaining garbanzo beans, breadcrumbs and onion mixture; pulse until coarsely chopped.
• Shape mixture into four 4-inch patties. (If desired, you can refrigerate until ready to cook.) In 12-inch skillet over medium heat, in remaining tablespoon hot olive oil, cook falafel patties until golden and crisp, turning once. Serve with any of the above serving suggestions.

SPICED FALAFEL BURGERS

Steps:

• Put the cabbage in a bowl with the lemon juice and a good pinch of salt. Toss together and leave while you make the burgers.
• Put the chickpeas, spices, green chillies, garlic, spring onions, coriander and flour in a food processor with 1 tsp of sea salt and whizz until well broken down. Tip into a bowl, then shape into 6 burgers with your hands. Chill for 30 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan, then fry the burgers for 4-5 minutes each side until really crisp and golden.
• Mix the hummus, yogurt and some seasoning, then spread on both sides of the toasted buns. Put some cabbage on the bottom buns, top with the burgers, a slice of tomato, a pickled chilli, some hot sauce and the bun tops, and serve.

HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL

Steps:

• (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
• Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
• Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
• Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
• Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
• Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
• Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!

SEARED FALAFEL BURGERS

Steps:

• For the falafels:
• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Set a large pot of salted boiling water over high heat, and prepare an ice bath. Blanch the edamame and peas in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then immediately transfer to the ice bath. Drain and dry.
• Transfer the edamame and peas to the bowl of a food processor and add the flour, parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, chili flakes, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until smooth. The falafels should be the consistency of wet sand and keep their shape when you form some into a ball in your hand.
• Divide the falafel mix into 8 to 10 burgers, depending on your preferred size, then form into patties. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the burgers are keeping their shape-don't worry about flipping them. This step can be done ahead of time.
• To make the Tahini Mayo:
• Combine the garlic mayo and tahini in a bowl. If the mixture is really thick, add a little cold water to loosen it.
• To serve:
• Heat the canola oil in a large pan over high heat. Fry the burgers for 1 to 2 minutes, until the surface is crispy, then flip and fry for another minute. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Toast the brioche buns, making sure not to burn them, then spread Tahini Mayo on each side of the bun. Layer with a falafel burger, lettuce, tomatoes, turnips, and hot sauce to taste.