A quick, healthy, and delicious vegan dinner: crispy falafel smashburger packed with plant‑based protein, fresh toppings, and melt‑in‑your‑mouth vegan cheese. Perfect for weeknight meals!
Imagine the satisfying crunch of a perfectly smashed falafel patty, melted vegan cheese oozing over the top, and fresh garden toppings tucked into a buttery bun—all ready in under 30 minutes. This crispy falafel smashburger delivers bold Middle‑Eastern spices with the comfort of a classic burger, making weeknight dinner feel like a mini celebration.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight & drained)
- 1/2 onion
- Handful cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- Vegan cheese
- Hummus
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles
- Oil for pan
- Burger buns
👩🍳 How to Make It
- Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, garlic, salt, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander seeds in a food processor; blend until smooth and form into balls.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium‑high, place the falafel balls in the pan, and smash each with parchment paper to create thin patties.
- Cook until browned on the bottom, flip, then add a slice of vegan cheese; cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.
- Toast the burger buns in the same skillet until lightly golden.
- Assemble the smashburger with hummus, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any extra onion, then serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Plate the burger on a rustic wooden board, add a side of sweet potato wedges drizzled with garlic‑herb oil, and pour a chilled cucumber‑mint lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve the smashburger open‑faced on a toasted bun with a generous dollop of extra hummus, alongside a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in lemon‑tahini dressing.
- Create a mini‑burger platter: cut the buns into bite‑size sliders, pair with crunchy pickle spears and a smoky chipotle aioli dip for a fun appetizer spread.
💡 Chef's Tips & Variations
- Toast the buns with a thin spread of vegan butter and a sprinkle of za'atar for an aromatic, crispy crust that elevates every bite.
- Swap the classic cilantro for fresh mint or parsley to give the patty a bright, herbaceous twist that pairs beautifully with the turmeric and cumin.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or roasted red peppers inside the burger for extra sweetness and depth without extra effort.
- For a gluten‑free version, use sturdy lettuce leaves or gluten‑free buns; the thin falafel patties stay just as crispy.
Save this recipe and try it tonight! Credit: @dr.vegan
