There is something truly delightful about a homemade burger that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and a wholesome texture. The Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe is one of those gems that effortlessly combines sweet peas, creamy feta, and wholesome chickpeas into patties that are juicy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main that will impress friends at a barbecue or a meatless Monday dinner crowd-pleaser, these burgers strike the perfect balance of savory and fresh with a Mediterranean-inspired twist that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple. Each one plays a key role – from the natural sweetness of peas to the tangy saltiness of feta, every element supports the delicious texture and vibrant flavor of your patties.
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed: These provide a sweet pop of flavor as well as a lovely green color.
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The protein-packed base that gives these burgers substance and heartiness.
- ½ cup rolled oats: Act as a binder and add a subtle chewiness for texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm savory note without overpowering the freshness.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and mild aromatic sweetness to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the natural sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick for complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the patties with a zesty lift.
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option): Binds everything together while keeping the patties tender.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Gives creamy saltiness and a rich, tangy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or parsley: Fresh herbs provide a burst of color and a refreshing finish.
- Olive oil for cooking: A healthy fat that helps achieve golden, crisp exteriors.
How to Make Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Start by pulsing the peas, chickpeas, oats, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a food processor. Your goal is a mixture that’s well-combined yet still slightly chunky to maintain texture — not a smooth paste. This combo forms the flavorful and hearty foundation of your burgers.
Step 2: Mix in the Egg, Feta, and Herbs
Transfer your pea and chickpea blend to a bowl, then fold in the egg, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs. This step is essential because the egg or flax egg holds the patties together while the feta melts into pockets of creamy, salty goodness. The herbs brighten up the entire mixture.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Patties
Now it’s time to form your mixture into four evenly sized patties. Placing them in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes chills them enough so they firm up and hold their shape better during cooking. Trust this step; it makes all the difference between crumbly and perfect burgers.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook each patty for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust with a warm, tender interior. This stovetop method locks in moisture and flavor, giving you that satisfying bite every burger deserves.
How to Serve Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, keep things fresh and simple to complement the bright flavors of the patties. Creamy Greek yogurt or tangy tzatziki sauce works beautifully, while crisp slices of cucumber, juicy tomato, and thin red onions add cool crunch and color. A handful of arugula or spinach brings a peppery bite and leafy freshness that rounds out the burger nicely.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe with Mediterranean-inspired sides like a fresh chopped salad, grilled vegetables, or crispy sweet potato fries. A light quinoa salad or lemon-dressed couscous will also harmonize beautifully, adding texture and balancing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve the burgers wrapped in large lettuce leaves or collard greens instead of buns. You can also create slider-sized versions for a fun appetizer or party platter. Another creative idea is to top the patties with a fried egg for a brunch twist that brings extra richness and protein to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep their flavor well and can be enjoyed cold or reheated quickly for another satisfying meal.
Freezing
These burgers freeze exceptionally well before cooking. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months, making them perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated burgers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of olive oil to crisp up the outside. You can also warm them gently in the oven. Microwaving is convenient but may soften the crust, so use that as a last resort.
FAQs
Can I make the Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The burgers will still hold together nicely and taste delicious.
What if my burger mixture feels too wet?
If you notice the mixture is too moist to form into patties, stirring in a tablespoon of flour (all-purpose, chickpea, or oat flour) will help absorb excess moisture and give you better shaping control without altering the flavor.
Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking in a skillet?
While the recipe is designed for stovetop cooking to achieve a crispy edge, you can absolutely grill the patties. Just be gentle when flipping, and use a well-oiled grill grate or a grill basket to keep them from falling apart.
How long do these burgers take to prepare and cook?
The Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe comes together quickly—about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20 to 30 minutes of chilling, followed by 10 minutes of cooking. So, in roughly 45 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal ready to enjoy.
What are some good toppings for these burgers?
Great toppings include tzatziki or Greek yogurt, sliced cucumber, ripe tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint or parsley leaves, and leafy greens like spinach or arugula. Adding a fried egg or avocado slices elevates the burger to even more satisfying heights.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe enough for those craving a flavorful, wholesome veggie burger with a Mediterranean flair. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and wonderfully versatile whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 20–30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers that combine the freshness of peas and herbs with creamy feta and protein-rich chickpeas. These Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian patties are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, cooked easily on the stovetop and served with your favorite burger toppings or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or parsley
- Olive oil for cooking
For Serving (Optional)
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Greek yogurt or tzatziki
- Sliced cucumber
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Arugula or spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the peas, chickpeas, oats, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until combined but still slightly chunky to maintain texture.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the egg, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint or parsley. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties. Place them in the fridge and chill for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up and hold together during cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the hot patties on burger buns or lettuce wraps and top with your favorite accompaniments such as Greek yogurt, sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and greens for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Notes
- These burgers freeze well before cooking; just shape the patties and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag.
- If the mixture feels too wet and difficult to shape, add a tablespoon of flour to absorb excess moisture.
- For extra protein and richness, top the cooked burgers with a fried or poached egg.
