So, it seems there is a football game happening on Sunday. And that is about all I know about that. I don’t know who is playing, but I do know you may be spending the day eating good food with friends, and I’m all for that. Since Yummy Hubby once said that sliders are “nature’s perfect food” (what???) I decided to create a healthier version of these cutie burgers. 
Superbowl Sunday should be filled with delicious snacks, but they don’t have to ruin your new year’s resolutions. These mini burgers are flavorful and plant strong – much more nutritious than the average ketchup and mustard burger. The flavors are Mediterranean-inspired with chickpeas, dill, parsley, and tahini. Cucumber is added in for crunch and smashed avocado on top holds it all together. 
What are your weekend plans? Monday isn’t too early to start planning, is it? 
Don’t forget to check out the other yummy Superbowl recipes below this recipe. 

Veggie Garbanzo Bean Sliders
printer friendly recipe

makes about 8 sliders

1/2 yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped
1 large clove garlic
2 tablespoons fresh dill, loosely packed
2 tablespoons tablespoons fresh parsley, loosely packed
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1 (15 oz.) can or 2 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 small container tahini (available at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, etc.)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

8 slider buns, toasted  
1 Persian cucumber, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1-2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Place onion, garlic, herbs, and carrots in a food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are chopped. Add beans, 1 tablespoon tahini, salt, egg, and breadcrumbs and pulse until combined and beans are just slightly chunky. If mixture is too dry to form patties, add a little more tahini or water. Form patties and place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes, carefully flipping once.

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of tahini over each bottom bun. Place patties on top. Top patties with cucumber, tomatoes, and onion slices. The cucumber adds crunch to the softer patties, so don’t skip them. Slightly mash avocado flesh with a spoon and then spread it on the top buns.

Want more game day recipes? Here are some favorites! 

Wasabi Bloody Mary from A Beautiful Mess

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites from Eat Yourself Skinny (Pictured above. Image copyright Kelly Hunt)

7 Layer Pizza Cups from Bev Cooks

Caramelized Onion Tartelettes from Cooking Light

Creamy Ranch Style Dip from Cooking Light

Healthy 7 Layer Dip from Good Housekeeping

Black Bean Salsa from Better Homes & Gardens

Quinoa Spinach Mac & Cheese from Two Peas & Their Pod

Broccoli and Cheddar Skinny Potato Skins from SkinnyTaste

Vegan Peanut Butter Whipped Cream from Family Fresh Cooking

Game Face Football Cookies from Munchkin Munchies