I have been writing about trying to perfect the perfect vegetable burger that will stay together after cooking. I will start this post off by saying I am still looking. However, the combination of sweet potatoes, chickpeas and lentils makes for a very hearty and meaty burger. Add some wonderful Indian spices and you have a Sweet Potato Chickpea Lentil Burger that will please the meat eaters in your household.

Sweet Potato Chickpea Lentil Burger
The closest combination to this recipe that I have tried was my Vegan Spicy Chickpea Burger. This veggie burger was very similar to this one in terms of ingredients and spices but the key spice was curry in this vegan burger. In my attempt to try to create a burger that would hold together better, I added lentils and breadcrumbs. The burger held together a little better but still not as firm as I want to achieve.

Vegan Spicy Chickpea Burger
In a more recent attempt at a veggie burger, I combined black beans, sweet potato, and brown rice. My Vegan Black Bean Mushroom Burger is still not the answer but it was a really tasty veggie burger. I love the addition of the mushrooms. It made for a very meaty burger and also was the vehicle that I added more spice into the burger. The unique spin on this burger was that I added a lot of smoky spices to it to bring out the earthy flavors of the black beans and mushrooms.

Vegan Black Bean Mushroom Burger
Getting back to my Sweet Potato Chickpea Lentil Burger, the burger looks like it might hold together. Surely, the breadcrumbs will be a good binder. I took a different route to bring spice to this burger. I infused some avocado oil with cumin, coriander and turmeric. After letting it cool, I added it to the sweet potatoes, chickpea and lentils. This technique is one I have used before and adds lots of flavor. The spices really release there flavor and bring a deep flavor to the burger.
The burger ingredients cooked (or to be cooked) before being combined.

Sweet Potatoes Cooked

Raw Chick Peas

Cooked Lentils
The oil and spices in the skillet.

Oil & Spices
The sweet potato, lentils and chickpeas in a bowl; spiced oil added, mixed and bread crumbs added.

All Burger Ingredients in Bowl

Oil & Spices Added

Breadcrumbs Added
The veggie burger in the skillet.

Sweet Potato Chickpea Lentil Burgers in Skillet
The Sweet Potato Chickpea Lentil Burger plated.

Sweet Potato Chickpea Lentil Burger Plated


- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 Cup lentils
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 6 Pretzel Buns
- 6 pieces Boston Bib lettuce
- Cook the lentils according to instructions and set aside.
- Cook the sweet potatoes until soft, mash and set aside.
- Cook the chickpeas in boiling water until they start to split.
- Mash the chickpeas.
- In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of the oil and the spices.
- Cook for 1 minute. Mix and set aside.
- Begin to create the burgers by combining the sweet potatoes and lentils. Mix well.
- Add the oil and spices and mix well.
- Add the breadcrumbs and form the patties.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet.
- Once warm, add the burgers to the skillet and cook 3 minutes aside.
- Plate your burger with the bun, lettuce and any sauce you like.
- Serve and enjoy!
I do love a good veggie burger and this sounds great, good job at creating a pattie that does not fall apart which is often the problem.
Thx so much Brian.
Such a wholesome burger! I love the idea of having chickpeas and lentils in a burger..
It really makes for a hearty veggie burger.
I love veggie burgers!! This looks delicious and that pretzel roll! YUM!
Thx so much Sophia and I value your opinion giving your food bent.
All those spices sound delicious! I like the combination of ingredients, each with it’s own characteristic to add.
Well said. Thx Anne.
What a great idea! And I bet you could substitute gluten free breadcrumbs to make this GF too! Such a nutritious burger!
You are totally right Christina. This would be easy to make GF and you would not miss anything.
What a great list of ingredients to make the perfect meatless burger. It looks like it is full of flavor and bonus that it stays in patty form on the bun. Yum!
Thx so much Ali. I am trying to perfect the veggie burger.
This burger is so tempting, all I want is to grab it through the screen right now!!
Careful you don’t hurt yourself grabbing through the screen. LOL
Mmm…. I love how you married chickpeas and sweet potatoes together to create the ultimate meatless burger packed with so much flavor! Delicious!
Thx so much Megan.
This looks delicious and what a fun coincidence I posted a new burger recipe, too!
Can’t wait to check your offering out too.
Who doesn’t love a good veggie burger! I love the addition of chickpeas and lentils to this one – I bet they’re delicious!
They were delicious. Thx Luci.
These look delicious, what a yummy burger! Quick question, can I use canned chickpeas? I think I have everything for this so it will be perfect for dinner tonight!
Most of the time, I am using canned chickpeas. So the answer is a big yes.
I love the combo of sweet potato and chick peas! Always on the look out for meat free options around here!
This is a winning combination Kathi.
Wow, so much flavor in these babies, I can’t wait to give this recipe a try, and those pretzel buns just take them over the top!!
A pretzel bun is so good for any burger. It does take it over the top.