If you’re seeking a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying alternative to traditional meat burgers, look no further than these BBC Food-inspired veggie burgers. Packed with fresh vegetables, hearty legumes, and vibrant spices, these burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a flexitarian, or simply curious about incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and nutrition. Plus, making your own veggie burgers at home lets you customize ingredients to your liking and control exactly what goes into your food.
These burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or even meal prepping for busy days. You’ll find the process straightforward and rewarding, with tips and variations to help you tweak the recipe to your preference.
Dive in and discover how easy and enjoyable veggie burgers can be with a trusted BBC Food recipe foundation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These veggie burgers are a standout because they combine wholesome ingredients with a mouthwatering texture that holds together perfectly without crumbling. The recipe uses a combination of chickpeas, carrots, and spices to create a flavorful patty that’s both hearty and healthy.
Unlike many veggie burger recipes that rely heavily on processed ingredients, this one emphasizes fresh vegetables and natural binders like oats and flaxseed meal. This makes it not only nutritious but also suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences including vegan and gluten-free options if you substitute the breadcrumbs accordingly.
Additionally, these patties cook beautifully whether you choose to pan-fry, bake, or grill them, giving you versatile options depending on your kitchen setup. The recipe is approachable for cooks of any skill level and makes a fantastic gateway into more adventurous vegetarian cooking.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chickpeas (cooked or canned) | 400g (1 can) | Rinsed and drained if canned |
Carrots | 2 medium (about 150g) | Grated |
Red onion | 1 small | Finely chopped |
Garlic cloves | 2 | Minced |
Oats | 50g (about ½ cup) | Use gluten-free if required |
Ground flaxseed meal | 2 tbsp | Mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg) |
Breadcrumbs | 75g (about ¾ cup) | Use gluten-free if needed |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp | For warm spice flavor |
Ground coriander | 1 tsp | Enhances earthiness |
Chili powder | ½ tsp | Optional, adjust to taste |
Salt | ½ tsp | To taste |
Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking |
Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Chopped (optional) |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or potato masher
- Grater (for carrots)
- Frying pan or non-stick skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Baking tray (if baking)
- Parchment paper (optional for baking)
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare your flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Process the chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a food processor and pulse a few times until they are roughly mashed but not pureed. Alternatively, use a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
- Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the grated carrots, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine evenly.
- Add spices and binders: To the vegetable mixture, add the ground cumin, coriander, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices.
- Add oats, breadcrumbs, and flax egg: Stir in the oats, breadcrumbs, and the prepared flax egg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, splash a bit of water or olive oil.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty about 1.5 cm thick. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the patties: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, bake the patties on a lined baking tray at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, remove from heat and let them rest for a minute before serving.
Tips & Variations
“To ensure your patties hold together well, don’t skip the flax egg—it acts as a fantastic binder that’s also vegan-friendly!”
Feel free to swap chickpeas with black beans or lentils for a different flavor profile. Adding finely chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini can enhance moisture and add umami depth.
For a gluten-free version, simply replace the regular breadcrumbs and oats with gluten-free alternatives. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
To make these burgers even more nutritious, try adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
If you want to get creative, top your veggie burgers with avocado slices, vegan cheese, or a dollop of homemade vegan bechamel sauce for a creamy twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 patty) |
---|---|
Calories | 160 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Total Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 230 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These veggie burgers pair beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings. For a classic presentation, serve them on toasted wholegrain buns with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and your favorite condiments such as mustard, ketchup, or vegan mayo.
For a lighter meal, try serving the patties over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a colorful slaw made from cabbage, carrot, and a tangy vinaigrette.
If you’re hosting a cookout, these burgers make an excellent centerpiece accompanied by grilled vegetables or oven-roasted potatoes. Also, consider pairing them with other plant-based dishes like the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert.
Conclusion
Veggie burgers inspired by BBC Food recipes offer a wonderful balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a plant-based meal that feels indulgent without the guilt associated with traditional meat options.
By using wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and natural binders, these burgers satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is adaptable and forgiving, allowing you to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various herbs, spices, and toppings to keep your veggie burger experience exciting.
And while you’re exploring plant-based delights, check out other creative options like the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your homemade meal journey.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your delicious veggie burger adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: BBC Food Recipes Veggie Burgers
Description: Delicious and hearty veggie burgers packed with vegetables and spices. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Mash the chickpeas in a bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add grated carrot, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, coriander, cumin, paprika, and egg.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix well to combine.
- Form mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Serve patties in burger buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 40 g
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