A Fun, Flavorful Twist On The Classic Burger – Crispy Falafel Patties With Fresh Herbs, Served Smashed-Style For An Irresistible Bite!
These Green Falafel Smash Burgers are an exciting twist on traditional smash burgers, combining the crispy, herby goodness of falafel with the satisfying crunch of a smash burger. I decided to make these because I wanted something that’s hearty and flavorful, but also a little different from your usual burger. The falafel patties are made with fresh parsley, cilantro, and spices, which bring a vibrant green color and incredible taste to the burgers.
My family loves these because they’re a delicious vegetarian option that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, the smashed-style burger makes each bite even more flavorful. They’re a hit at dinner, and everyone always asks for seconds!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make the falafel patties ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for a gluten-free version. Just make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I use a food processor to make the falafel patties?
A: Yes, using a food processor is the easiest way to make the falafel mixture. Just pulse the ingredients until everything is well-combined but still a little chunky.
Q: Can I freeze the falafel patties?
A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook them, just pan-fry or bake straight from the freezer.
Q: What should I serve with these burgers?
A: These Green Falafel Smash Burgers are perfect served with a simple side of fries, a fresh salad, or even in a pita with a drizzle of tahini sauce. You can also pair them with pickled vegetables for an extra tangy kick!
What You Need to Make Green Falafel Smash Burgers
For the Falafel Patties:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- Olive oil for frying
For the Smash Burgers:
- 4 burger buns
- Fresh greens (like spinach or lettuce)
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Optional: tahini or hummus for spreading
How to Make Green Falafel Smash Burgers
- Make the falafel mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and tahini (if using). Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. Add the breadcrumbs and pulse again until it forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
- Shape the patties: Form the falafel mixture into small patties, about the size of a burger patty. You should be able to make about 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size.
- Cook the patties: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the falafel patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook in batches if necessary.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast the burger buns lightly in the same pan (or in a toaster). Spread a layer of tahini or hummus on the buns if desired. Place a falafel patty on the bottom bun, then top with fresh greens, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Smash and serve: Press the top bun gently to smash the burger slightly, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add a bit of harissa or chili paste to the falafel mixture for a spicy kick.
- For a crunchy texture: Coat the patties lightly in flour before frying for a crispier texture.
- Make it vegan: These falafel smash burgers are already vegan, but feel free to top with a vegan-friendly sauce like tahini or a dairy-free yogurt-based dressing.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan R. – “These falafel smash burgers are delicious! The falafel patties are so flavorful and crispy, and they make a perfect burger. Will definitely be making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jenna T. – “I made these for a vegetarian dinner, and they were a hit with everyone! The combination of fresh herbs and spices is fantastic. My family loved them!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Alice B. – “I’ve tried a lot of falafel recipes, but this one takes the cake. The flavors are spot on, and the crispy texture is perfect. These will be on regular rotation in our house!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Gregory P. – “I added a little bit of feta on top, and these were amazing! I love how easy they were to make, and they tasted so fresh and flavorful.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie L. – “Absolutely delicious! I topped mine with tahini and roasted vegetables. The falafel patties are so hearty and flavorful. Definitely recommend!”
Printable Recipe
Green Falafel Smash Burgers
Make these Green Falafel Smash Burgers for a healthy, flavorful twist on the classic burger! Crispy falafel patties served smashed-style for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
- For the Falafel Patties:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- Olive oil for frying
- For the Smash Burgers:
- 4 burger buns
- Fresh greens (like spinach or lettuce)
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Optional: tahini or hummus for spreading
Instructions
Make the falafel mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and tahini (if using). Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. Add the breadcrumbs and pulse again until it forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
Shape the patties:
- Form the falafel mixture into small patties, about the size of a burger patty. You should be able to make about 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size.
Cook the patties:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the falafel patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook in batches if necessary.
Assemble the burgers:
- Toast the burger buns lightly in the same pan (or in a toaster). Spread a layer of tahini or hummus on the buns if desired. Place a falafel patty on the bottom bun, then top with fresh greens, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Smash and serve:
- Press the top bun gently to smash the burger slightly, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Green Falafel Smash Burgers, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect twist on a classic burger, and they’re so easy to make. Share the recipe on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your burgers turn out!
