Freekeh Burger

Freekeh Burger

  • 3 cups cooked pinto beans
  • 1 cup cracked freekeh
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 Tbsp za’atar
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 egg (lightly beaten)
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large onion (thinly sliced)
  • 3 tsp harissa
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • Baby spinach leaves (for serving)

Smoky Garlic Aioli:

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (pressed)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Place beans in a large bowl and mash them lightly.
  3. Stir in freekeh, garlic, carrot, and green onions.
  4. Season with za’atar 1 tsp at a time. Taste the mixture to find correct amount for your liking.
  5. Stir in cumin, salt and pepper to taste, then fold in the egg.
  6. Form burger mixture into 8 large patties.
  7. Put patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Brush tops of the patties with extra virgin olive oil and bake for about 25 minutes. You want them golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
  9. While the burgers are in the oven, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  10. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
  11. Stir in harissa slowly and keep adding to taste.
  12. To make the burgers, place each patty on a bun and top them with onions, smoky garlic aioli, and spinach leaves.

Smoky Garlic Aioli:

  1. Toast cumin seeds and coriander seeds in small skillet over medium-high heat. About 1 1/2 minutes.
  2. Allow to cool.
  3. Finely grind toasted seeds.
  4. Whisk mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and ground spices in small bowl.
  5. Season aioli to taste with salt and pepper.