Chickpea Pesto Burgers

Let's make something lovely.

1. 01

   Prepare the Homemade Pesto:

2. 02

   Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), 2 cloves of minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

3. 03

   Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well combined.

4. 04

   Season: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Pulse a few more times to combine. Set aside 3 tablespoons for the burgers.

5. 05

   Prepare the Roasted Onion:

6. 06

   Preheat the oven to 375°F and place a baking sheet inside while it preheats. Toss the red onion with 1 tablespoon avocado oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

7. 07

   Transfer the onion mixture onto one side of an 18-inch piece of foil. Fold the foil in half and crimp the edges to seal it into a packet. Place the packet on the hot baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes until the onion is tender.

8. 08

   Prepare the Chickpea Pesto Burgers:

9. 09

   Squeeze out any excess liquid from the thawed spinach and place it in a medium bowl. Add the chickpeas and mash them with a fork.

10. 10

    Stir in the egg, ground flaxseed, almond flour, and 3 tablespoons of homemade pesto. Mix well and form the mixture into six 3/4-inch-thick patties.

11. 11

    Heat 2 teaspoons of avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

12. 12

    Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

13. 13

    In a small food processor, combine 1 roasted red pepper, 1 clove of minced garlic, and Greek yogurt. Process until smooth. Slice the remaining 2 roasted peppers into strips for topping.

14. 14

    Assemble the Burgers:

15. 15

    Place the chickpea pesto patties on the toasted whole-wheat buns. Top with the roasted onions, roasted pepper strips, and a dollop of the creamy roasted red pepper sauce.

16. 16

    Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!