### Title: Veggie “Bacon and Eggs” Cheeseburger
#### Description:
Delight your kids with this fun and flavorful African-inspired Veggie “Bacon and Eggs” Cheeseburger! This plant-based twist on a classic favorite includes a seasoned lentil and chickpea patty topped with smoky coconut “bacon,” creamy avocado, and a sunny-side-up chickpea flour egg. Served between fluffy whole grain buns, these burgers are not just tasty but also nutritious – perfect for the little ones!
#### Ingredients:
**For the Lentil and Chickpea Patty:**
– 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
– 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
– Olive oil, for frying
**For the Smoky Coconut Bacon:**
– 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
– 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
– 1 tsp liquid smoke (or smoked paprika)
– 1 tsp maple syrup
**For the Chickpea Flour Egg:**
– 1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil, for frying
**For Assembly:**
– 4 whole grain burger buns
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Lettuce or spinach
– Tomato slices
– Pickles (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Lentil and Chickpea Patty:**
– In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils and chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
– Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix well until combined.
– Form the mixture into four equal patties. Set them aside.
2. **Make the Smoky Coconut Bacon:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a bowl, toss the coconut flakes with soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup until evenly coated.
– Spread the coconut mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning!
3. **Cook the Chickpea Flour Egg:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, water, turmeric, salt, and pepper until smooth.
– In a non-stick skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Pour the chickpea mixture into the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until set and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and slice into rounds.
4. **Cook the Patties:**
– In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and cook the lentil and chickpea patties over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
5. **Assemble the Burgers:**
– Toast the whole grain buns if desired. On the bottom half of each bun, layer a patty, a slice of avocado, a few pieces of smoky coconut bacon, the chickpea flour egg slice, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
– Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Enjoy this deliciously fun and kid-friendly Veggie “Bacon and Eggs” Cheeseburger with your family! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or playful gatherings.