Falafel Pita Burgers
These Falafel Pita Burgers are made with seasoned chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then baked until crisp on the outside and tender inside. Served in warm pita bread with hummus and fresh vegetables, they're a delicious vegetarian meal everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 warm pita breads
For Serving
- Hummus
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Cucumber slices
- Red onion
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chickpeas in a large mixing bowl and mash them with a potato masher or fork until mostly broken down, leaving a few larger pieces for texture.
- Add the chopped scallions, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, flour, and vegetable oil.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir until the mixture holds together. If it feels too wet, mix in an additional tablespoon of flour.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a thick patty.
- Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Carefully flip each patty and continue baking for another 10 to 13 minutes, or until both sides are golden and lightly crisp.
- Warm the pita breads during the final few minutes of baking.
- Spread hummus inside each pita.
- Add a falafel burger and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and pickles as desired.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Avoid over-mashing the chickpeas, leaving some texture helps the burgers hold together and creates a more authentic falafel texture.
- If the mixture is too soft, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before shaping the patties.
- Whole wheat pita bread is a great option for added fiber.
- Add sliced olives, feta cheese, or a drizzle of tzatziki for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Cooked patties freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.