Falafel Burger with Crispy Brussels Sprouts

The Falafel Burger, adapted from Blog.FatFreeVegan.com,  has all the wonderful flavors of a falafel without being deep fried. The Mediterranean inspired burger, a tasty mixture of chickpeas, spices, and herbs,is simple and foolproof to prepare. The chickpea patty is then topped with spinach and roasted brussels sprouts to form a delectable Falafel creation. If you're looking for another twist on falafels, try this recipe---http://spicysweetpotato.blogspot.com/2012/03/falafel-faux-fry.html

Falafel Burger with Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Gluten Free

Serves One
Click Here for Printable Recipe

Ingredients--

Crispy Brussels Sprouts:

4-5 Brussels sprouts, quartered

1/4 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt & Pepper

Burger:

5 tablespoons chickpeas, divided

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

Dash of cayenne pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon gluten free breadcrumbs
Salt & Pepper

Toppings:
Handful of baby spinach
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard

2 slices light gluten free sandwich bread

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.

2.Place Brussels sprouts on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat Brussels sprouts in spices.

3. Roast Brussels sprouts until golden and tender, 24-28 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.

Remove from oven and set aside. (Leave oven at 400 degrees for the burgers).

4. Meanwhile, begin the burgers--Pulse 3 tablespoons of the chickpeas  in a small food processor until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl.

5. Stir in the garlic, parsley, Dijon, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and baking powder until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Fold in the bread crumbs and remaining 2 tablespoons of whole chickpeas. Form mixture into a flat burger patty.

7. Line another baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Place chickpea patties on baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Using a spatula, flip each patty over, and cook for 10–12 minutes more or until the other side is golden brown. Remove from the oven.

8. To build the burger, toast the sandwich bread lightly, then spread each piece of bread with Dijon mustard. Place burger on top of one piece, then top with spinach. Mound on Brussels sprouts, top with remaining bread slice, and press down gently. Enjoy!

                                   

Nutrition Information--approximately 235 calories per burger