Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burgers

The Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burger is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and North African culinary traditions, offering a unique twist on the classic burger. This dish brings together the rich, robust flavours of lamb, the earthy texture of chickpeas, and a medley of spices that elevate the burger into a gourmet experience.

At the heart of the Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burger is the minced lean lamb, known for its tenderness and ability to absorb the aromatic spices that are synonymous with Moroccan cuisine. Cumin, a staple in North African dishes, adds a warm, nutty flavour, while dried mint introduces a refreshing note that complements the richness of the lamb. The addition of chilli flakes offers a subtle kick, balancing the dish’s flavour profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

Chickpeas, a cornerstone of many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, are integral to this burger, providing not only a nutritional boost but also a unique texture. When combined with the minced lamb, chickpeas lend a satisfying density to the burger, ensuring each bite is hearty and filling. The chickpeas also help to absorb the vibrant flavours of garlic and onion, which are essential in building the burger’s robust taste.

The inclusion of a slice of wholemeal bread, crumbled into the mix, acts as a binding agent, while the beaten egg ensures the patties hold together perfectly during cooking. The choice of wholemeal rolls for serving adds a wholesome touch, complementing the rich flavours of the burger with their slight nuttiness.

To complete the burger, fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and the sharpness of red onion provide a fresh contrast to the savoury patties. The interplay of textures—crunchy vegetables, soft bread, and tender meat—makes each bite of the Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burger a delightful experience.

The Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burger is full of depth of flavour and a very good use of traditional ingredients. This dish offers a taste of Morocco’s vibrant culinary heritage, bringing the warmth and spices of the region directly to your plate. Simple but perfect.

Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burgers

This Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Burger combines tender minced lamb with chickpeas and a blend of aromatic spices to create a rich and satisfying burger. Served on wholemeal rolls with fresh vegetables, it’s a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and North African flavours.

4.87 from 36 votes

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Course: BBQ, Main Dish

Cuisine: Moroccan

Keyword: Bap/Roll, Chickpeas, Lamb, Spice, Vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Chilling: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 47 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 Burgers

Calories: 270kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 1 slice wholemeal bread
• 1 large egg free range / beaten
• 400 g chickpeas can/drained
• 450 g minced lean lamb
• 1 large onion grated
• 1 tsp dried mint heaped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 4 cloves garlic crushed
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 8 large wholemeal rolls split
• 100 g lettuce
• 4 large tomatoes sliced
• 1 medium red onion sliced

Instructions

• Crumble the bread and add to the beaten egg, set aside but mix occasionally until the bread has absorbed all the egg.
  1 slice wholemeal bread, 1 large egg
• Meanwhile In a large bowl thoroughly mash half the chickpeas then roughly mash the other half and stir together.
  400 g chickpeas
• Add the lamb, onion, mint, garlic, cumin and chili flakes and mix, then add the egg and bread mixture and mix well – the best way is by hand, squidging everything together.
  450 g minced lean lamb, 1 large onion, 1 tsp dried mint, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 4 cloves garlic
• Form into 8 burgers (approx. 8 cm diameter and 2½ cm thick) and put on a plate or tray, cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, an hour or two is better.
• Carefully place burgers on a BBQ, griddle pan or under the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Once you place them on a griddle or BBQ don’t move or turn them until they’ve had chance to form a crust (4-5 minutes). Once cooked put on a plate and cover with foil.
• Toast the buns if desired then build your burgers with the lettuce, tomato and onion.
  100 g lettuce, 4 large tomatoes, 1 medium red onion, 8 large wholemeal rolls

Notes

Recipe tips:

Works well with beef mince or for a lower-fat version use turkey mince.

Try with pitta bread rather than rolls and drizzle with tatziki.

Freezing instructions: Freeze in individually wrapped portions with greaseproof paper between each burger.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 456mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 956IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg