The Indian Chole (Chickpea) Burger is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavors with a contemporary twist. This recipe draws heavily from the beloved Indian street food dish, “Chole Tikki,” which features spiced chickpea patties often served with chutneys or yogurt. In this modern take, those same earthy, spiced flavors are enhanced and adapted into a global favorite: the burger. It’s a testament to how traditional cuisines can be reinvented while still staying authentic to their roots.
Chole, or chickpeas, are a staple in Indian cuisine and have been enjoyed for centuries. Chickpeas are prized not only for their nutritional value—they’re high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients—but also for their adaptability in dishes ranging from curries to snacks. The inspiration for this burger emerges from the desire to make a hearty, plant-based meal that’s as satisfying as a traditional meat burger, yet rich in Indian spices and flavors. By using garam masala, cumin, and coriander, the recipe captures the warmth and complexity of Indian cooking. These spices don’t just add flavor but also carry health benefits, aligning with the intrinsic connection in Indian food between taste and wellness.
At the heart of the burger is its patty, which is mashed and spiced chickpeas mixed with aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger. A touch of besan (chickpea flour) binds the patties together while also complementing the chickpeas with its earthy undertones. The simplicity of the patty preparation belies the depth of flavor it delivers, as the spices bloom during the cooking process, filling the air with enticing aromas.
The next essential layer of the burger is the mint yogurt sauce, or raita, which adds a cooling element to balance the warmth of the spices. This is a nod to a classic component of Indian meals, showcasing how yogurt is often used to complement boldly spiced dishes. For those following a vegan diet, using plant-based yogurt achieves the same satisfying harmony of creamy and tangy notes.
Another hallmark of this burger is the fresh slaw—a blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions. This element introduces crunch and freshness, reminiscent of kachumber (a simple Indian salad) and provides a contrast to the softness of the patty. Optional cucumber slices enhance the cooling effect, while toasted burger buns serve as the perfect vessel to bring all the components together.
This recipe celebrates the idea of bringing together culinary traditions from across the globe. It offers an accessible way to introduce Indian food to a wider audience, while preserving the authenticity of its flavors. Perfect for a lunch or dinner, the Indian Chole Burger appeals not just to vegetarians but also to anyone curious about experiencing fusion cuisine.
What makes this dish even more endearing is its versatility. You can customize it endlessly—serve the patties in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, grill them for a smokier taste, or pair them with other Indian chutneys like tamarind or coriander-mint. Regardless of the variations, the Indian Chole Burger remains a beautiful culinary representation of how food can transcend borders, bringing local flavors to a global plate.
Indian Chole (Chickpea) Burger
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas or use canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons besan (chickpea flour) for binding
Burger Assembly
- 4 pieces burger buns toasted
- 4 tablespoons mint yogurt sauce or raita
- 1 cup fresh slaw mix of cabbage, carrot, and onion
- 0.5 cup cucumber slices optional
Instructions
Burger Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a potato masher until coarse in texture.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix until combined.
- Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt for spice and flavor.
- Add the chickpea flour gradually to bind the mixture. Mix until it holds together.
- Form four equal patties.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat (180°C or 356°F).
- Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Burger Assembly:
- Spread a generous spoonful of mint yogurt sauce on the toasted buns.
- Place the chickpea patty on the bottom bun.
- Add the fresh slaw and cucumber slices on top.
- Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.