Chickpea Burger

And the Martha Stewart veggie burger obsession continues! Although flavor is always my top priority when it comes to cooking, I have to again mention my huge appreciation for the texture of Martha Stewart's veggie burgers, which all too often tend to fall to pieces. These solid patties might look simple on paper, but are certainly not wont for flavor. Smoky cumin, a frequent companion to chickpeas, blends perfectly with rich peanuts and fresh ginger and scallions in this balanced burger. A bit reminiscent of falafel, this burger is best accompanied by a pita, fresh cucumber slices and tahini or yogurt sauce. I've been happily munching on these for lunch, but they could also be delightful appetizers if made into 8-12 small patties and served with a dipping sauce. Sadly, it seems that pretty soon I'll have made it through all the Martha Stewart veggie burgers I'd like to try. The good news? I'll be on the hunt for another veggie burger recipe treasury or new culinary obsession.

Chickpea Burger
adapted from Martha Stewart
makes 4 burgers

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 scallions, trimmed
2 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
1/3 cup peanuts or almonds, unsalted
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 large egg
Olive oil
Whole-wheat English pitas, for serving
Lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, for serving
Greek yogurt and/or tahini, for serving

1. Heat grill to high. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, scallions, bread, peanuts, cumin, and ginger; season with salt and pepper. Pulse until roughly chopped. Remove half the mixture to a bowl; add egg to food processor. Process until smooth; add to reserved mixture in bowl, and mix well.

2. Form the mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Brush each side generously with oil; grill until charred, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve the burgers in pita with fixings and condiments of choice.