¾headcauliflowerapproximately 450g / 1lb, broken into florets
5mediumcarrotsapproximately 350g / 12oz, peeled and roughly chopped
2tablespoonstomato paste30g
1smalleggapproximately 45g, whisked
2tablespoonsplain flour18g, all-purpose flour
½cubevegetable stockapproximately 5g, crumbled
1ozfresh coriander25g, cilantro, finely chopped
½teaspoonchilli powderor to taste
1pinchsalt
1pinchground black pepper
1largeonionfinely diced
3clovesgarlicminced
1mediumfresh red chillifinely diced, seeds removed for less heat
1cankidney beans400g / 14oz, drained and rinsed
1canchickpeas400g / 14oz, drained and rinsed
1-2tablespoonsneutral oilvegetable or sunflower, for frying
Instructions
Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the cauliflower florets and chopped carrots and boil for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water, then return to the pan or transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or pulse in a food processor until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining. Spread the mash on a plate and let it steam for 3-5 minutes to release excess moisture.
3/4 head cauliflower, 5 medium carrots
Stir the tomato paste, whisked egg, and flour into the mash until well combined. Crumble in the half stock cube and mix through — it adds a savoury depth that lifts the whole patty.
Add fresh coriander, chilli powder and seasoning to taste.
1 oz fresh coriander, 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch ground black pepper
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and fresh chilli and cook for a further 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir the fried mixture into the cauliflower and carrot mash.
1-2 tablespoons neutral oil, 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 medium fresh red chilli
Add the drained kidney beans and chickpeas to the mixture. Fold them in gently — you want some beans to stay whole for texture while others break apart slightly to help bind the patty.
1 can kidney beans, 1 can chickpeas
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Using slightly wet hands, shape each portion into a patty about 2cm (¾ inch) thick. Place on a plate or lined tray and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up — this makes them much easier to handle.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to move them too early — let the crust form before flipping.
1-2 tablespoons neutral oil
Serve each patty in a lightly toasted bun with your choice of toppings — sliced avocado, rocket (arugula), salsa, sliced tomato, and a slice of cheese all work well.
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Notes
Storage: Cooked patties keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side — avoid the microwave as it softens the crust.Freezing: Place uncooked shaped patties on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a zip-lock bag. They keep for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in a covered pan over medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes per side, then uncover and raise the heat to crisp the outside.Make-ahead: Shape the patties up to 24 hours before cooking and refrigerate — the mixture firms up overnight, making them easier to handle.Substitutions: Swap kidney beans for black beans, or chickpeas for butter beans. Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for a vegan version.Pro tip: After mashing the cauliflower and carrots, spread the mixture on a plate and let steam escape for 3-5 minutes before adding the egg and flour. This is the single most important step for patties that hold together.