Prepare the Sweet Potato:
Peel and cube the sweet potato. Boil in a pot of water for 10-15 minutes or until soft and fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
Prepare the Chickpeas:
In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas a few times to mash them, leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the chickpeas by hand using a fork.
Make the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, chickpeas, oats, breadcrumbs, flaxseed (if using), onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.
If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more oats or breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions (depending on the size you want) and shape each portion into a patty.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can refrigerate the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them firm up.
Cook the Patties:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan or griddle over medium heat.
Place the patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Alternatively, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Assemble the Burger:
Serve the veggie patties on a bun or lettuce wrap, and top with your favorite condiments and toppings like avocado, tomato, lettuce, or pickles.