Chickpea Burger - Veg Burger

It breaks my heart to hear burgers are catergorized as junk food. They are soooo delicious just like all the members of junk food family. Since we are living in a calorie conscious world we need to watch what we eat, not that I munch a burger every other day but every calorie counts, right. So then why not replace the deep fried patty with a healthy chickpea shallow fried patty!!?? I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome, it tastes so much better that you must try it. 

Traditionally burger & french fries are a great combo, but since I wanted to keep my junk food at minimum I opted them out. 

Chickpea is very popularly known as white chana in India & main ingredient of some very famous Indian delicacies like Chole, Chana masala etc. Chickpea is not only a healthy source of proteins, fiber & carbohydrates but also a great source of zinc which is one of most popular hair loss prevention mineral. With so many benefits involved couldn't think of a better option for my patty, agree? 

Ingredients: 

For the Chickpea Patty:

1 cup of soaked chickpea  (soaked overnight)

1-2 cups of breadcrumbs (as required)

5-6 small spring onions

2 garlic cloves

2 green chilies

Juice of 1/2 lime

few coriander leaves finely chopped

1/2 tsp chaat masala 

1/4 tsp black pepper powder (or to taste)

salt to taste

For assembling the burger:

4-5 Burger buns (can use whole wheat)

Some lettuce (am using mix springs, you could use iceberg or any lettuce of your choice) 

1 large tomato sliced 

1/2 large onions sliced & the rings separated

1-2 tbsp Butter

Coriander & mint chutney (as required)

Tomato ketchup (as required)

chili sauce (optional) (as required)

salt & pepper to taste

Method: 

To make Chickpea Patty:

• Soak the chickpea overnight or for 8hours. When ready drain the water completely & allow to stand for 1/2 hour. We want to ensure the water is drained off else it would make the batter liquidy. 
• In a mixer, blend soaked chickpea, garlic, green chilies & spring onions to a smooth batter. 
• Remove this batter into a bowl & to it add bread crumbs, lime juice, chaat masala, salt, pepper & coriander leaves. 
• Mix well to form a firm dough. Add more bread crumbs if you find the dough is too sticky. 
• Apply few drops of oil on your palm & start shaping the chickpea patty. (Oil will prevent the batter from sticking to your hand. You can try & make the patty approximately same or  one size smaller than your buns) 
• Heat a griddle or pan & coat it with few drops of oil. Once hot, put the pattie on it. Flip once the bottom side is done. Cook the other side too till you get a nice golden brown color. 
• That's it our Chickpea patty is ready, Keep aside. 

Assembling the Burger:

• Slice your buns horizontally right at the center to get two equal part. 
• Now take the flat portion & apply some butter followed by green chutney.
• Place some lettuce/greens on top, the chutney will act as glue & help to keep the lettuce in place.
• Put the patty over the lettuce & drizzle some chili sauce on top. 
• Then place the tomato & onion slices & sprinkle some salt & pepper. 
• Now on the inside of the fluffy portion of the bun, apply some butter followed by tomato ketchup & place it on top of the onions. 

That's it, our delicious & healthy burger is ready. Decorate it with a cherry tomato & a toothpick & serve with Baked Fries & salad or your choice. 

Stay Healthy, Happy Cooking!!

Shweta