Grilled Falafel Burgers

There are three parts to this dish. It looks like a lot of effort, but it will be totally worth it in the end. Trust me on this.

A. First, make the lebneh sauce ...

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves
Juice from 1/2 lemon

1. Drain the yogurt for 8-12 hours (or overnight like we did) in a paper towel lined sieve set over a bowl, covered and chilled.
2. Mince the garlic cloves and mash into a paste with salt. Add the garlic paste to a bowl along with the drained yogurt, 1/4 tsp salt and lemon juice to make mixture that looks like sour cream. That's your sauce!

B. Then, make the grilled falafel burgers ...

1/2 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, crushed
3 green chilies
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Few shots of Tabasco hot sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bread slices, toasted
3 tbsp chopped cilantro

1. Soak the dry chickpeas overnight. Alternatively, you can use canned chickpeas.
2. Then wash the chickpeas and cook in pressure cooker for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Dry roast the sesame seeds making sure they do not turn brown or burn!
3. Place the cooked chickpeas along with the onion, garlic, green chilies, roasted sesame seeds, hot sauce, spices and toasted bread pieces in food processor and blend together.
4. Remove mixture into bowl and refrigerate for atleast 20 minutes. [I have to admit this step was kind of tough because our processor was not catching everything. If your mixture looks a little dry, add a little bit of olive oil and a splash of water to help loosen it up.]
5. Divide the chickpea mixture evenly and roll out into golf sized balls. Flatten with palms.
6. Heat up griddle. When hot, drizzle about 1 tbsp olive oil and shallow fry the chickpea patties on both sides until golden brown.

C. Chop up the veggie salad ...

1 onion
2 roma tomatoes
1/2 cucumber

Chop it up and season with salt, lemon juice and olive oil. Add 1/4 tsp red chili powder if you like your burger to be spicy. I refrigerated for an hour or so to pickle the veggies, but the salad can be added fresh, no problem.

Finally, assemble the burger as follows: Toast two slices/buns of bread. Spread the lebneh sauce on both slices. On bottom slice, place the chickpea burger topped with the salad. Close sandwich and enjoy! *

*Alternatively, you could serve the grilled falafel burgers inside whole wheat pita bread with veggie salad and cucumber raita. Yuuummmy!