Baked Falafel Burgers

Steps

1. Add parsley, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and a healthy pinch each salt and pepper to a food processor and mix to combine.

2. Add chickpeas and pulse until incorporated but still slightly chunky. You want to maintain a bit of texture.

3. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add nut meal (or oat flour) and mix again until a loose dough is formed that's firm enough to be handled. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I added a touch more salt.

4. Draw an “x” in the dough to form 4 sections (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), then use your hands to form into 4 large patties (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) roughly 1/2-inch thick.

5. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and refrigerate or freeze for 15 minutes to firm up. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (in the meantime.

6. OPTIONAL STEP: For a little extra crust on the outside, before baking heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil. Swirl to coat pan, then add falafel. Carefully flip once golden brown – about 3-4 minutes - and then cook on the other side until golden brown as well - 3-4 more minutes. Return to baking sheet to continue baking. Otherwise, just add them straight to the oven for baking.

7. Bake for a total of 30-40 minutes, flipping once at the halfway point for even cooking. The longer you bake them, the firmer they’ll get!

8. Serve warm wrapped in a pita or chard bun and desired sauces / toppings. Alternatively, serve atop a salad and use the garlic sauce as a dressing.

9. Burgers will store in the fridge, layered with parchment paper in an airtight container, for several days. Freeze to keep longer.