
Spiced Chickpea Burger Recipe
Learn how to make Nando's famous spiced chickpea burger recipe at home! This quick and easy recipe shows you how to cook restaurant-style veggie burgers with authentic peri-peri spices. Perfect weeknight dinner recipe ready in 30 minutes.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 400g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 60g breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves for serving
- Sliced tomatoes for serving
- Red onion slices for serving
- Nando's peri-peri sauce or hot sauce for serving
Step 1
Pat the drained chickpeas completely dry with kitchen paper towels - this is crucial for achieving the right texture. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until roughly broken down, leaving some chunky pieces for texture. You want about 70% mashed and 30% whole pieces remaining.Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper begins to soften. The vegetables should be aromatic and lightly caramelized.Step 3
Add all the spices - smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper - to the pan with the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant and coat the vegetables evenly. This toasting process intensifies the flavors significantly.Step 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute until it darkens slightly and becomes well incorporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. This spiced vegetable mixture will be the flavor base for your burgers.Step 5
Add the cooled spiced vegetable mixture to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon, then add the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and lemon juice. Combine everything until you have a cohesive mixture that holds together when pressed. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of water.Step 6
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 2cm thick. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes - this chilling time helps them hold together during cooking and prevents them from falling apart.Step 7
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the chilled patties in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.Step 8
Flip the patties carefully using a wide spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should reach about 70°C if you have a thermometer, and they should feel firm when gently pressed.Step 9
While the patties finish cooking, lightly toast the burger buns in a dry pan or toaster until golden. Prepare your serving ingredients - wash and dry the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, and cut thin rings of red onion.Step 10
Assemble your burgers by placing lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the spiced chickpea patty, tomato slices, red onion, and a generous drizzle of peri-peri sauce. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while the patties are still warm and crispy on the outside.
What ingredients are used in Spiced Chickpea Burger Recipe from Nando's?
Key ingredients include canned chickpeas, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chilli powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, and lemon juice for authentic flavour.
How to cook Spiced Chickpea Burger Recipe from Nando's at home?
Learn how to cook Nando's Spiced Chickpea Burger Recipe from Nando's by mashing chickpeas, sautéing spiced vegetables, combining ingredients, forming patties, chilling for 30 minutes, then pan-frying until golden and crispy on both sides for restaurant-quality results.
Can you make chickpea burgers without eggs for a vegan version?
Yes, replace the egg with 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid), ground flaxseed mixed with water, or mashed banana. These alternatives help bind the mixture whilst keeping the burgers completely plant-based and delicious.
What's the best way to prevent chickpea burger patties from falling apart?
Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly dried, don't over-mash them, chill patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking, and avoid moving them during the first few minutes of frying until a golden crust forms naturally.
How long do homemade chickpea burger patties keep in the fridge?
Cooked chickpea patties stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Raw mixture can be kept for 24 hours before shaping and cooking for optimal texture and food safety.

