Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties

Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are a hearty and flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. These patties are made with a satisfying base of mashed black-eyed peas blended with fresh aromatics and smoked paprika, making them a delicious choice for a vegetarian or vegan meal.

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Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these patties offer a robust texture and smoky flavor profile that pairs perfectly with all your favorite burger fixings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (250 g) cooked black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed if canned)
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat for frying.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken into a flax egg.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mash the black-eyed peas with a fork or potato masher, ensuring you leave some texture rather than making a smooth paste.

Step 4

Add the onion, garlic, carrot, parsley, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, flax egg, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional add-ins. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 5

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties.

Step 6

For baking: Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and firm.

Step 7

For frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until they are crisp and browned.

Step 8

Serve the patties on buns with your favorite toppings or alongside a fresh salad.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When mashing the black-eyed peas, be careful not to over-process them; keeping some chunks provides a much better burger-like texture. If you choose to bake the patties, a light brushing of olive oil is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown exterior.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the mixture. If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can easily increase the heat by adding extra chili flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the batter before shaping the patties.

Serviervorschläge

These patties are excellent when served on toasted buns with vegan mayo, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. They also make a great protein addition to a large garden salad or served with a side of sweet potato fries.

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Enjoy these wholesome, homemade Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties as a satisfying and nutritious center-piece for your next vegetarian meal.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture remains excellent, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How should I store uncooked patties?

Shape the patties and place them between pieces of parchment paper in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ What's the best way to prevent patties from falling apart?

The key is allowing the flax egg mixture to thicken for at least 5 minutes. Also, don't over-mash the black-eyed peas—leaving some texture helps the patties hold together. Letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes before shaping also improves binding.

→ Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Yes, cook dried black-eyed peas according to package directions until tender, then drain well. You'll need approximately 1 cup of dried peas to yield 1.5 cups cooked. Make sure they're cooled before mashing.

→ What toppings work best with these patties?

Classic burger toppings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, dill pickles, and vegan mayo complement the earthy flavors beautifully. Avocado, sprouts, caramelized onions, or a spicy chipotle sauce also work wonderfully.

→ Can I cook these on an outdoor grill?

Yes! Place patties on a preheated grill over medium heat. Use a grill basket or place them directly on the grates that have been lightly oiled. Grill 4-5 minutes per side until marked and heated through.