Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
If you love bold flavors and crave something satisfying yet nourishing, you’re about to fall head over heels with Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa. These burgers deliver the perfect balance of hearty texture, smoky spices, and fresh herby zing, all finished with a creamy, zesty sauce spiked with avocado and vibrant green herbs. Whether you’re a full-time plant-eater or just looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe promises excitement in every bite, making it a true game-changer for your burger night traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa lies in its lineup of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is chosen not just for nutrition, but also to add flavor, color, and a delicious crunch or cream to every layer of your burger experience.
- Lentils: Earthy and satisfying, cooked lentils form the flavorful backbone and bind the patties beautifully.
- Chickpeas: Packed with plant protein and a mild nuttiness, they create a hearty, tender texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Help hold everything together and ensure each patty is perfectly crisp on the outside.
- Carrot: Brings sweetness, color, and a subtle crunch that brightens up each bite.
- Red Onion: Offers a gentle sharpness and hint of bite without overpowering the mix.
- Garlic: Two cloves layer in aromatic warmth and richness.
- Parsley: Adds herbal freshness to the patties and the harissa sauce for a green pop.
- Flaxseed + Water (Flax Egg): The vegan binder that keeps your patties sturdy and moist.
- Soy Sauce: Deepens the savory, umami notes and enhances overall flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses gentle smokiness that hints at a grilled flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Delivers earthiness and warmth, essential for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Just the right seasonings to balance everything perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Ensures your patties cook up golden and delicious with a healthy fat boost.
- Avocado: Brings luscious creaminess and a mild flavor base to the green harissa sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro: Elevates the sauce with its bright, citrusy-green flavor.
- Green Chilies: Impart gentle heat—remove seeds for a milder kick.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tang to the harissa, balancing richness.
- Water: Used to blend the sauce to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Burger Buns or Lettuce Wraps: Choose classic or gluten-free to cradle your flavorful patties.
- Tomato, Red Onion, Lettuce: The essential fresh toppings for burger assembly and color.
How to Make Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Base
Start by popping your cooked lentils and chickpeas into a food processor. Pulse them just until they’re broken down and beginning to stick together—the goal is a mixture that’s mashed yet still has some little bits for texture. It’s this tender, chunky base that makes Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa so toothsome.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Builders
Transfer the processed mix into a large bowl, then stir in your breadcrumbs, grated carrot, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, flax egg, soy sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This is your chance to adjust seasoning—taste and add more spice or salt if your heart desires! Once everything’s well combined, the mixture should easily form into patties without being too dry or sticky.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, shaping each into a thick, compact patty. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Place your patties gently in the pan and cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden and warmed through. If you’re after a lighter take, you can bake them at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway—equally delicious!
Step 4: Blend the Avocado Green Harissa
In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, fresh parsley, cilantro, green chilies, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt. Add just enough water to create a smooth, creamy sauce that pours easily off a spoon. Taste and adjust for chili heat, salt, or lemon—you want it punchy and luscious. This bright, herby sauce brings Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa to life!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now for the fun part: Layer each burger bun or lettuce wrap with a crisp lettuce leaf, a juicy tomato slice, a savory patty, and a dollop (or two) of avocado green harissa. Add red onion for a final pop. That’s it—your vibrant, flavor-packed Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa are ready to serve!
How to Serve Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa

Garnishes
These burgers are gorgeous piled high with extra fresh herbs—think a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro on top. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes elevates the look and dials up the flavor just a notch. For a dinner party, try a few thin-sliced radishes or microgreens for wow factor!
Side Dishes
Craving a complete meal? Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa go beautifully with sweet potato fries, a crisp cabbage slaw, or a light, citrusy quinoa salad. Their zesty punch also pairs with roasted vegetables or even a handful of crispy baked chickpeas for extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve burger patties over a big salad, stuffed into pita with loads of green harissa, or even crumbled as a hearty topping for grain bowls. If you’re hosting a party, try mini slider versions as appetizers—Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa shine in any setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burger patties and sauce will keep well if stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld and become even deeper by day two, making for fantastic workday lunches or quick dinners on the go.
Freezing
To freeze, lay cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just let them thaw in the fridge before reheating. The avocado green harissa is best fresh, but you can freeze it in ice cube trays if you have extra and use it as needed for bowls and dressings.
Reheating
Reheat patties in a hot skillet or the oven until warmed through and the exterior crisps up again—no need to microwave, unless you’re really pressed for time. Give your avocado green harissa a good stir before serving, adding a drizzle of lemon or olive oil to revive its texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I make the burger mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the lentil-chickpea mixture up to a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to shape and cook. The flavors intensify, and forming patties is a breeze with cold dough.
What’s the best way to get crispy edges?
A generous swipe of olive oil in a preheated skillet gives you that crave-worthy crunch. Don’t overcrowd your pan, and let each side cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
Is the avocado green harissa spicy?
It’s as gentle or bold as you like! Removing the seeds from your chilies yields a milder sauce, while keeping them adds heat. Adjust to your spice-loving preference, or swap in mild peppers for even less bite.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on gluten-free buns or big lettuce leaves. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan, so it’s an easy swap for gluten-free needs.
How do I avoid crumbly veggie burgers?
The flax egg, breadcrumbs, and just the right moistness in your lentil-chickpea blend are key. Be sure to mash the pulses enough for binding, and if the mix seems too dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce until it holds together easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about bringing a colorful, flavor-packed meal to your table, and Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa are just that—magic in every bite! Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself (and maybe a friend or two) to a burger experience that will leave you craving another round. You’ll never look at veggie burgers the same way again!
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Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa are a delicious and satisfying plant-based option for a burger night. The hearty lentil and chickpea patties are packed with flavor and protein, while the creamy avocado green harissa adds a zesty kick. Serve them on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Burgers:
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (about 1/2 cup dry)
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Avocado Green Harissa:
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1–2 green chilies, seeded for less heat
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–4 tablespoons water (to thin)
For serving:
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the burgers: In a food processor, pulse lentils and chickpeas until slightly mashed. Combine with remaining burger ingredients, form patties, and cook in a skillet until golden brown.
- Make the avocado green harissa: Blend all harissa ingredients until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Place patties on buns or lettuce wraps, top with tomato, onion, lettuce, and a dollop of avocado green harissa.
Notes
- The patties can also be baked for a lighter option.
- The green harissa works well as a dip for roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg