Garbanzo Burgers

(from Super Natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson, taken from Cate's World Kitchen http://catesworldkitchen.com/)

2 15 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained
4 large eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 onion, chopped
grated zest of one lemon
1 cup alfalfa sprouts, chopped
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion etc. (whatever you prefer) for filling

Combine the garbanzos, eggs, and salt in a food processor and puree until the mixture is the consistency of a very thick, slightly chunky hummus. Pour into a mixing bowl and stir in the cilantro, onion, zest, and sprouts.

Add the bread crumbs and stir, then let sit for a couple of minutes so the crumbs can absorb some of the moisture. At this point, you should have a moist mixture that you can easily form into 12 1 1/2 inch thick patties (I made mine slightly thinner).

You can add more bread crumbs a bit at a time to firm up the dough if need be. Conversely, a bit of water or more egg can be used to moisten the batter.

Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 patties, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes until the bottoms begin to brown.

Turn up the heat if there is no browning after 10 minutes. Flip the patties and cook the second side for 7 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the skillet and cool on a wire rack while you cook the remaining patties.

Carefully cut each patty in half, insert your favorite fillings, and enjoy immediately.