Before I became vegan, I was able to organize all of my spices in a neat row on one of my cabinet shelves.
After I became vegan, I became much more open to trying new flavors and much more experimental with the types of ingredients I used. This new, curious "kitchen scientist" side of me led to me needing to transfer all of my herbs and spices to a drawer. And then that kind of overflowed into cute little jars I keep on my counter. And into little bags in my pantry cupboard. It's a mess, but it's my (semi-organized) mess.
About a month ago, my curiosity led me to purchasing some Za'atar. Part of the draw was that it started with the letter 'Z' (I'm easily entertained) but it was mostly because I'd been hearing so much about this spice blend the last couple of years. Za'atar is a middle-eastern seasoning consisting of dried thyme, marjoram, savory, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds (some blends also include salt). I've been trying a little here and little there but a recent experiment was such a home-run that I had to share it with you.
Awhile back, I introduced you to my Filet o' Chickpea Sandwiches. These sandwiches were a huge hit in our house and apparently, by the number of you guys who've made them yourselves, I'd say that they were a hit with my readers as well. Fueled by Za'atar fever, I decided to make Za'atar chickpea burgers, using the recipe for the filets as the foundation. These burgers have a beautiful, layered middle-eastern flavor (think: sophisticated falafel) and were also a huge hit over here.
These little middle-eastern burgers weren't going to do with the traditional burger fixings. No ketchup, lettuce, cheese, and a bun for these guys. First, they needed a delectable spread to go with them- something tangy and slightly sweet. That's where this incredible heirloom tomato and apricot chutney comes in. Heirloom tomatoes, dried apricots, bell pepper, and sweet onion are simmered with coconut sugar and apple cider vinegar until they form a thick, chunky, vibrantly-flavored chutney that pairs beautifully with these burgers. I have to admit, though, I consumed several pieces of flatbread slathered only with this fantastic spread. When I ran out, I actually used a spoon to clear every last drop from the jar before washing it. Once you start with this chutney, you can't stop.
Traditional burger buns would work for these burgers, but they wouldn't do them justice. That's why wrapping little slider-sized patties in easy, homemade, yeast-free flatbread are a must. And because burgers are almost always better with cheese, tofu feta is also a must. A drizzle of a simple tahini herb dressing ties this sandwich together, turning it into a handheld middle-eastern/mediterranean/moroccan flavor bomb.
If you haven't added Za'atar to your spice rack yet, I suggest you get on it. You're going to be making these za'atar chickpea burgers a lot!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped, seeded heirloom tomato
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 1 red or orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chopped dried unsweetened apricots
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or vegan brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- a few dashes of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- salt to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon liquid aminos
- one 15-ounce can artichoke hearts (about 8 hearts), rinsed and drained.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon chickpea flour
- 1 tablespoon Za'atar spice blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- vegetable oil for pan-frying
- flatbread or burger buns (use gluten-free if necessary)
- tofu feta
- tahini herb dressing (possibly subbing fresh mint for some or all of the parsley)
- fresh mint for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Combine the tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, apricots, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, ginger, allspice, and cayenne in a medium pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring a few times, or until thick and chunky. Add the lemon juice and salt and remove from the heat. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator. Let it chill for 1 hour before using to allow the flavors to marry. You can make this a week in advance and it should keep for 7 to 10 days.
- Heat a large frying pan, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the liquid aminos and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to gently mash the chickpeas. You only have to mash them a little bit- you still want them a little chunky.
- Place the artichoke hearts in a food processor and pulse 5 to 7 times until the artichokes are broken down into little pieces (but not mushy).
- Combine the chickpeas, artichokes, rice, and chickpea flour in a large bowl. Use your hands to mash and squeeze the mixture until it is fully combined and will hold together when you squeeze it. If it doesn't hold together, add more chickpea flour by the tablespoon until it holds. Add the spices and mix until combined.
- Preheat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the mixture into 6 portions to make 6 normal sized burger patties, or 12 portions to make slider-sized burger patties. Shape each portion into a patty shape and place on the prepared sheet.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add oil until the bottom of the pan is thinly coated. Once the oil begins to shimmer, place 2 to 4 patties in the pan (or as many as can fit without being squished together). Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes (flipping once halfway through) or until both sides are golden. Remove the filets from the pan and transfer back to the baking sheet. Once all of the patties have been cooked, transfer the sheet to the oven and let them cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven once firm.
- If using flatbread, spread 2 to 3 spoonfuls of chutney on each flatbread. Top with a couple slider patties. Be sure to place your patties more to one side of the flatbread so that you can fold the other half over them. You can also chop the patties in half and place about 3 halves on each flatbread (this will give you 8 total sandwiches, rather than 6). Top with feta and tahini herb dressing. Garnish with mint if desired. Fold the flatbread closed.
- If using burger buns, spread 2 to 3 spoonfuls of chutney on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a patty. Sprinkle tofu feta on top of the patty. Spread tahini dressing on the top halves of the buns and place the tops on top of the sandwich.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
If you are serving this dish with other side dishes, 1 sandwich per person (serving 6 to 8 people) will suffice. If you are only serving these sandwiches, you may consider giving each person 2 (serving only 3 to 4).
If you want to skip the frying portion, you can put the patties straight into the oven and bake them for about 20 minutes or until firm, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What herb or spice can you not live without?
Photography by Chris Miller
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I am right there with you sister! I never know that smoked paprika was sent from the Gods until after becoming vegan and discovering not gross smelling spices. Also, those tomatoes you have there are gorgeous!!
sarah@thesweetlife
Looks amazing! I married into a middle eastern family so have gotten exposed to foods I might otherwise not have and zaatar is one of my favorite spices now!
Katie @ Produce on Parade
Wow! Those tomatoes are gorgeous. I've never used Za’atar before, I will definitely have to find some. I can completely relate to the "kitchen scientist" personality shortly after becoming vegan. An organized mess indeed. 😉
Faygie
I adore zaatar, and that chutney looks amazing. I can't wait to try these!!
Matt
Great combo of recipes - the chutney with the burgers sounds like a fabulous pairing. Can't wait to whip up batches of both!…And I know what you mean by the spices - I used to have ours sorted by kinds of meat on which I used them. Now it's kinda like za'atar - this here, that there, a little more of this this time, next time more of that. Makes it more like an adventure.
The Peace Patch
goodgolly what a swirl of delicious flavors! I think I'd like the burgers and chutney in a lettuce wrap too. Spices are so fun to play with...I think I need a rolling cart now for all my spices so I can roll it with me around the kitchen, then stash it in the corner during downtime. Thanks for the recipe and inspiration! 🙂
Julie
Wow! I love za'atar! Combined with apricot chutney, these look awesome!!!
Julie
In answer to the question:
I cannot live without
1. chipotle
2. za'atar
!!!
gotcakee
These look so satisfying. I like the idea of apricot + tomato! I wonder if substituting dried figs would work?
Thalia @ butter and brioche
wow that chutney looks amazing! i definitely have to try out the recipe. thanks for sharing!
The Vegan Cookie Fairy
Can I come over for dinner? 😛
I can't live without cinnamon. Simple, but it's my favourite.
Erica
I'm leaving for college today and my mom and I made this as my "last" dinner at home... it was AMAZING, combined so many of my favorite foods and flavors I probably won't find in the campus dining halls, and was a hit with my family. We're packing the leftovers for lunch-it'll be a tasty break in our 7 hr drive! Thank you so much. The other day I realized I hadn't made any of your more complicated savory dishes and I wish I had while I still had access to my own kitchen... oh well, that's what breaks are for!
keepinitkind
That is so great to hear, Erica! I'm so happy this recipe provided a tasty and memorable "last meal" before heading off to college! Have a good time! 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I was the same way! I never bothered to learn to cook or experiment with flavours and ingredients till after I changed my diet. I'm so glad I did, za'atar is one of my favourites! These look amazing 🙂
Emili
Ok, can't find zaatar anywhere & no sumac to make my own, either. Any suggestions as to a sub? I have ras el hanout & Turkish baharat...?
Chaya
I can't find canned artichoke hearts. What could I use as a replacement?
keepinitkind
I would use about 8 frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted.
Carolyn
Would any veg work in place of the artichokes? Along now, thought I had some but I dont
keepinitkind
You could try hearts of palm. I haven't tried any other vegetables, to be honest. I would maybe try some shredded zucchini, but that will give it a different flavor and it may be waterier. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck!