Masala Chickpea Burgers Recipe

From the first bite of these masala chickpea burgers, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a deliciously spicy trip to flavor town, where humble pantry staples transform into a satisfying, vibrant meal that’s perfect for any casual night in.

I enjoy making recipes that are flavorful and nourishing, and I find these Masala Chickpea Burgers to be just that. They are loaded with plant-based protein from chickpeas and mouthwatering spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

Those are pretty much no-fail spices if you’re looking to make something taste as if it’s coming from the Indian subcontinent. Fresh cilantro brightens these patties up.

I pair them with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. I think of this as a well-dressed burger that’s too tasty for the trickle-down effect it exerts on my purview as a Healthy Eating Advocate.

Masala Chickpea Burgers Recipe Ingredients

• Chickpeas: Rich in protein and fiber, adds hearty texture.
• Onion: Provides a savory depth and slight sweetness.
• Garlic: Adds pungent flavor; known for health benefits.
• Ginger: Offers warm, spicy notes and aids digestion.
• Cilantro: Freshens and brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Ground cumin: Earthy spice that enhances flavor complexity.
• Garam masala: Aromatic blend adding warmth and richness.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy zest that balances spices.

Masala Chickpea Burgers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 small green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• Burger buns
• Lettuce leaves and tomato slices (for serving)

How to Make this Masala Chickpea Burgers Recipe

1. In a sizeable basin, use a fork or potato masher to blend the drained chickpeas until they are largely smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.

2. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili to the chickpeas. Mix well.

3. Combine the breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt to taste in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

4. Incorporate the lemon juice into the mixture and keep mixing until the ingredients are uniformly dispersed and the mixture holds together.

5. Split the mixture into equal parts and mold each part into a patty approximately the size of the burger buns that you will be using.

6. In a skillet, over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the patties made of chickpeas to the skillet.

7. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

8. Take the fried burgers from the frying pan and set them on a plate that has been lined with paper towels so the burgers can drain. Any excess oil will be soaked up by the paper towels.

9. To put together the burgers, you can opt to lightly toast the burger buns. Place, then, on the bottom half of each bun, a snug leaf of crisp lettuce; follow that with a patty of smashed chickpeas; finish with a slice of fresh tomato.

10. To serve, place the other half of the bun on top and enjoy the masala chickpea burgers while they are still hot.

Masala Chickpea Burgers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Fork or potato masher
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Grater or microplane
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Large skillet
8. Spatula
9. Plate
10. Paper towels

FAQ

• Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?Absolutely. Make sure you give them a good soaking and then boil them until they’re tender, and then you can use them in your recipe.
• What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?Crushed oats or almond flour can serve as gluten-free substitutes.
• How do I make these burgers less spicy?Omit the green chili and reduce the amount of red chili powder to suit your liking.
• Can I bake the patties instead of frying?Indeed, you should bake them at a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equivalent to 190 degrees Celsius, for an approximate duration of 20 minutes, during which you should flip them halfway through.
• How do I store leftover patties?Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or stash them in the freezer, where they’ll be good for up to a month.
• Is there a substitute for cilantro?Fresh parsley can be used, or you can skip it if you like.

Masala Chickpea Burgers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

A can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed, could be substituted with 1.5 cups of lentils that are cooked.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs could be swapped for 1/2 cup oat flour.
1 tsp ground cumin can be replaced with 1 tsp curry powder.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped can be swapped out for 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
2 tbsp lemon juice could be replaced with 2 tbsp lime juice.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Mixture After shaping the patties, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together better during frying.

2. Adjust Spiciness If you’re sensitive to heat but still want flavor, remove the seeds from the green chili before chopping, or use milder chilies. Alternatively, you can increase the red chili powder for a spicier kick.

3. Binding Agent If the mixture seems too crumbly and isn’t holding together well, add a tablespoon of chickpea flour or all-purpose flour. This can help bind the patties.

4. Crispy Texture For extra crispy patties, coat them lightly in additional breadcrumbs just before frying.

5. Flavor Variation Experiment with adding a tablespoon of tahini or yogurt to the chickpea mixture for a creamier texture and a slight flavor variation.