Middle Eastern Vegetable Grain Burgers

Infused with the bold and aromatic flavors of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, these Middle Eastern Vegetable Grain Burgers are a wholesome, plant-based delight perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. A hearty blend of protein-rich quinoa, tender chickpeas, and fresh vegetables like grated carrot and zucchini come together to form golden, pan-seared patties packed with nutrients and irresistible texture. Served on warm pita bread or toasted burger buns, these patties are elevated with creamy hummus, crisp mixed greens, and refreshing slices of cucumber and tomato for a satisfying, flavor-packed bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this vegetarian twist on a classic burger is both nutritious and delicious, making it an easy go-to meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup quinoa
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked and drained
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 units garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 units pita bread or burger buns
• 0.5 cup hummus, for serving
• 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce, for serving
• 0.5 cup sliced cucumbers, for serving
• 0.5 cup sliced tomatoes, for serving

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mash the cooked chickpeas with a fork, leaving some texture.

Step 4

Add the grated carrot, grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel), diced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked quinoa, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Mix in the breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together when pressed. Add more breadcrumbs if needed.

Step 7

Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.

Step 8

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 9

Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.

Step 10

Toast the pita bread or burger buns, if desired.

Step 11

Assemble the burgers by spreading a layer of hummus on the bread, placing a patty on top, and layering with mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and tomato.

Step 12

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1656.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2169.1

Total Fat 61.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4106.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 334.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.5g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 79.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 784.8mg	0%
Iron 28.7mg	0%
Potassium 3344.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.9%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 60.6%