Description
A flavorful fusion Bhaji Burger featuring spiced lamb mince patties combined with crispy onion bhajis, fresh cucumber mint raita, and vibrant toppings served on toasted brioche buns. This recipe brings together Indian spices and classic burger elements for a unique and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 400g lamb mince
- 2 tbsp tandoori paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 100g plain flour
- 1 onion, halved and finely sliced
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
- Salt, to taste
Raita
- ½ cucumber
- 150g pot plain yogurt
- ½ small pack mint leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
To Assemble
- 3 burger buns (brioche preferred), toasted
- A few lettuce leaves
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Mango chutney, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Burgers: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, tandoori paste, cumin seeds, garam masala, bicarbonate of soda, and a good pinch of salt. Use your fingers to squeeze and mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into three equal-sized patties. Place the patties in the fridge to chill and firm up while you prepare the other components.
- Make the Raita: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid using your hands or a clean cloth. In a separate bowl, mix the grated cucumber with the plain yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until needed.
- Prepare the Bhaji Batter: In another bowl, combine the plain flour, garam masala, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add about 200ml of cold water, stirring continuously, until a thick batter forms (you may not need all the water). Fold in the thinly sliced onion evenly into the batter.
- Cook the Bhajis: Heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Drop the onion batter into the pan in three batches, shaping each into a burger-sized bhaji. Fry for about 3 minutes on one side until it becomes crispy and golden, then carefully flip to cook the other side until fully cooked through. Keep the bhajis warm while you cook the burgers.
- Cook the Lamb Burgers: Using a barbecue, griddle, or frying pan, cook the lamb patties to your desired level of doneness. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly and nicely charred on the outside for great flavor.
- Assemble the Bhaji Burgers: Place a few lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a cooked lamb burger, followed by a spoonful of the cucumber mint raita. Top with a warm bhaji and some thinly sliced red onion. Place the top bun and serve alongside mango chutney for extra sweetness and tang.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before assembling the burgers.
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cucumber to prevent the raita from becoming watery.
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less tandoori paste and garam masala according to taste.
- If preferred, substitute lamb mince with beef or chicken mince.
- Maintain medium heat while frying the bhajis to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian-British Fusion
Keywords: Bhaji burger, lamb burger, Indian burger, tandoori burgers, onion bhaji, raita, fusion recipe
