Dinner

Falafel Burgers with Houmous and Watercress Recipe

Name: Falafel Burgers with Houmous and Watercress Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 250g chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; small pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 2 rounded tbsp plain flour; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 100g houmous; 4 burger buns, cut in half; watercress, to serve

ByNoah Steele November 10, 2025November 10, 2025

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Introduction

Falafel burgers are a delicious and hearty twist on the classic Middle Eastern falafel, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these patties are packed with flavorful spices and herbs. Served in toasted buns with creamy houmous and fresh watercress, they make an irresistible lunch or dinner option.

The image shows a sandwich with two layers inside a toasted, crusty bread bun with a light brown color and soft texture on the inside. The bottom layer inside the bun is a creamy, beige spread evenly placed on the bread. Above it, there is a thick, round patty with a golden brown and green speckled surface, showing a cooked texture. On top of the patty, there is a small bunch of fresh, bright green leafy greens that extend slightly outside the bun. The top bun is slightly tilted back, revealing the sandwich contents. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

250g chickpeas from a can
1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin
Small pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2 rounded tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
100g houmous

4 burger buns, cut in half
Watercress, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Drain, rinse, and dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Tip them into a food processor and pulse until broken into coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Add the onion, garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, chopped parsley, plain flour, and some seasoning to the food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Using your hands, gently form the mixture into 4 patties about 10cm in diameter and 2cm thick.
Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel patties for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. You may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Lightly griddle the burger buns cut side down in a griddle pan, or toast them under the grill until golden.
Step 6: Spread one side of each bun with houmous, top with a falafel burger, add a handful of watercress, then cover with the remaining bun half. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add some finely chopped nuts or sunflower seeds to the mixture before shaping.

Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of chili flakes for a flavor boost.
Swap watercress for lettuce, rocket, or sliced cucumber for a different crunch.
Use gluten-free flour or chickpea flour to make these burgers gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftover falafel patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to maintain their crispiness. Burger buns are best toasted fresh, but you can keep them in a sealed bag for a couple of days at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. The sandwich has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, soft round bread bun with a light golden crust, the middle layer is a thick, greenish-brown veggie patty with a crispy texture, and the top layer is a fresh bunch of green leafy watercress. There is a spread of smooth beige hummus between the bread and the patty. The top half of the bun is slightly tilted to reveal the layers inside the sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make falafel burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes assembling the burgers quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.

Can I bake the falafel burgers instead of frying?

Absolutely. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.