Garbanzo Burgers

Let me preface this post with one important point: Heidi Swanson is my hero.  I first became addicted to her blog (101cookbooks.com) a year ago.  Then she put out the brilliant cookbook Super Natural Cooking.  I am working my way through each and every recipe, and I love pretty much every single one.

So here is one of her amazing ideas: Make a veggie burger, then cut it in half so it becomes the bun, with filling inside.  I know, what could be better? I ate mine with sprouts and tomato inside, slathered with some nonfat yogurt.  My husband had his on a piece of toast with mayo.  To each their own.  I just know I will definitely be making these often!

(from Super Natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson)

2 15 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained

4 large eggs

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 onion, chopped

grated zest of one lemon

1 cup alfalfa sprouts, chopped

1 cup bread crumbs

1 tbsp olive oil

lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion etc. (whatever you prefer) for filling

Combine the garbanzos, eggs, and salt in a food processor and puree until the mixture is the consistency of a very thick, slightly chunky hummus.  Pour into a mixing bowl and stir in the cilantro, onion, zest, and sprouts.

Add the bread crumbs and stir, then let sit for a couple of minutes so the crumbs can absorb some of the moisture.  At this point, you should have a moist mixture that you can easily form into 12 1 1/2 inch thick patties (I made mine slightly thinner).  

You can add more bread crumbs a bit at a time to firm up the dough if need be.  Conversely, a bit of water or more egg can be used to moisten the batter.

Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 patties, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes until the bottoms begin to brown.  

Turn up the heat if there is no browning after 10 minutes.  Flip the patties and cook the second side for 7 minutes, or until golden.  Remove from the skillet and cool on a wire rack while you cook the remaining patties.  

Carefully cut each patty in half, insert your favorite fillings, and enjoy immediately.