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Burgers are often seen as indulgent and unhealthy fast food, but they don't have to be. The correct components and the correct amount can transform burgers into a healthy, tasty, and dietary staple. A healthy dish can be tasty too, and these burgers are the proof. You can manage the ingredients easily as they are readily available in your nearest market. So why wait? Start making your own healthy and delicious burgers!
Adding an Indian twist to burgers brings a whole new level of excitement to the table. Indian spices and ingredients can elevate your homemade burgers' taste and nutritional value. These Indian-style burgers are easy to make and great for a better lifestyle. They use millet instead of traditional grains and spices like cumin and coriander. Explore these tasty and healthy burger recipes that you can make at home with some exclusive Indian twist to it.
1. Millet Veggie Burgers
Millet veggie burgers are a fantastic alternative to store-bought options, which often contain processed soy and fillers. These burgers are filled with millet and fresh vegetables, offering a nutritious and tasty meal. To prepare these burgers, start by soaking half a cup of dry millet overnight and then rinsing it well. Bring one and a half cups of water to a boil, add the soaked millet, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover it for about 15-20 minutes until the millet is tender.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F and finely chop one large onion, three cups of arugula or another dark green of your choice, two stalks of celery, and two carrots. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to chop the vegetables finely. Combine the cooked millet with the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Add two teaspoons of sea salt, one tablespoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Mix in one and a half cups of millet flour or any gluten-free flour you choose until everything is well combined.
Shape the mixture into burger patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the patties for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and firm. These millet veggie burgers are packed with nutrients and rich in flavour, thanks to the blend of spices and fresh vegetables.
2. Prawn & Salmon Burgers With Spicy Mayo
Prawn and salmon burgers are an excellent choice for a healthy, protein-rich meal rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Start by chopping peeled raw prawns and skinless salmon fillets into small chunks. Combine half of the prawns and half of the salmon with roughly chopped spring onions, lemon zest, and half of a small pack of coriander in a food processor. Blitz the mixture briefly until it forms a coarse paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl, stir in the remaining prawns and salmon, season well, and shape the mixture into four burger patties. Chill the patties for ten minutes to help them firm up.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt with chilli sauce, adding lemon juice to taste. This will be your spicy mayo. Prepare a salad by mixing shredded lettuce and cucumber ribbons, dressing them with a little lemon juice and a teaspoon of olive oil. Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and fry the prawn and salmon burgers for three to four minutes on each side until they have a nice crust and the fish is cooked through. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with a dollop of spicy mayo and the prepared salad on the side or inside the buns for a refreshing crunch.
3. Spiced Mozzarella And Pineapple Burger
This unique burger combines the spicy flavours of chipotle with the sweetness of pineapple, all wrapped up in a healthy lettuce cup. Begin by grating half a red cabbage, two carrots, and slicing 100g of radishes. Mix these vegetables with the juice of two limes, a tablespoon of cold-pressed rapeseed oil, and a big pinch of chilli flakes. Season with salt and pepper and mix everything well. This slaw can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept in the fridge.
Coat four slices of halloumi cheese with a mixture of remaining rapeseed oil and a tablespoon of chipotle paste. Place the halloumi slices on a sheet of foil and cook on a hot barbecue or a griddle pan for about two minutes on each side until the cheese is golden and the pineapple slices begin to caramelise. Assemble the burgers by placing a handful of slaw in a lettuce cup or on a toasted burger bun, then adding a slice of halloumi and a slice of caramelised pineapple. Serve with extra slaw on the side for a colourful and flavourful meal.
4. Chickpea Nut Burgers
Chickpea nut burgers are delicious hot or cold, making them perfect for any occasion. Start by roughly chopping one small red onion and one large garlic clove. In a food processor, blend the onion and garlic with 25g of mixed nuts, such as brazils, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans. Add a teaspoon of ground cumin and a teaspoon of ground coriander. Blitz until the mixture is as smooth as possible. Add a drained and rinsed can of chickpeas, 25g of wholemeal flour, and a small pack of chopped coriander. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the mixture and blend until it comes together into a thick paste.
Shape the mixture into four balls and flatten them into patties about 2cm deep. Heat a teaspoon of cold-pressed rapeseed oil in a non-stick pan over low heat and cook the burgers on one side for five minutes. Add another teaspoon of oil to the pan, turn the burgers over, and cook for another five minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Serve these chickpea nut burgers with a side of mixed spinach, watercress, and rocket salad, along with sweet potato wedges and a minted yoghurt sauce.
5. Beetroot Quinoa Vegan Burgers
Beetroot quinoa burgers are a hearty and healthy option for a midweek meal. To make these, heat a tablespoon of rapeseed oil in a small frying pan and cook a finely chopped red onion with a tablespoon of cumin seeds and two finely chopped garlic cloves over medium heat for eight minutes until softened and golden. Transfer the onion mixture to a bowl and add 200g of cooked quinoa, two large cooked and grated beetroots, 50g of plain flour, two tablespoons of milled flaxseed, and a small bunch of chopped coriander. Mix everything until combined and season lightly.
Shape the mixture into four patties and place them on a lined baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 15 minutes, then turn the patties over and cook for another 10 minutes. Serve the beetroot quinoa burgers on a bed of rocket salad, drizzled with a dressing made from beetroot preserving liquid, lemon juice, low-fat soy yoghurt, and extra virgin olive oil.
Also Read: Vegetable Burger Recipe
6. Mushroom Burgers With Roasted Garlic Mayo
For a delightful vegetarian option, try mushroom burgers topped with sundried tomato breadcrumbs and served with roasted garlic mayo. Start by removing the stalks from four large flat mushrooms and finely chopping them. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and cook the mushroom stalks with finely chopped roasted red peppers, thyme leaves, 50g of fresh breadcrumbs, a tablespoon of sundried tomato paste, and two teaspoons of smoked paprika for five minutes.
Rub the mushroom caps with a little olive oil, season, and top each one with the breadcrumb mixture. Heat another drizzle of oil in a frying pan and cook thinly sliced red onions with a tablespoon of golden caster sugar and a tablespoon of sherry vinegar for 15 minutes until caramelised and sticky. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a barbecue or in the oven, and cook for 20 minutes until soft and cooked through. Serve the mushrooms on toasted ciabatta rolls spread with roasted garlic mayo, topped with salad leaves, caramelised onions, and grated cheddar or manchego cheese.
7. Vegan Lentil Burgers
Vegan lentil burgers are packed with flavour, fibre, and protein while being low in fat. Begin by bringing three-quarters of a cup of brown lentils and one and three-quarters cups of low-sodium vegetable broth to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are fully softened and the liquid is absorbed. Mash the lentils in a medium bowl with the remaining broth.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat two teaspoons of olive oil and cook finely chopped red onion with lemon juice and a pinch of salt for about six minutes. Add fresh baby spinach, minced garlic, black pepper, and ground cumin, stirring until the spinach is wilted. Combine the spinach mixture with the mashed lentils, whole-wheat breadcrumbs, and toasted, finely chopped walnuts. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Form the mixture into six patties and grill on medium-high heat until grill marks form, about three minutes per side. Serve the lentil burgers on whole-grain buns with toppings like baby arugula, basil, roasted red bell peppers, and spicy mustard for a flavourful and nutritious meal.
These healthy burger recipes with an Indian twist prove that you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without compromising on health. Each recipe combines nutritious ingredients with vibrant flavours, making it easy to maintain a balanced diet while indulging in a favourite comfort food. Try these recipes at home and enjoy the delightful fusion of taste and nutrition.
