Indian-Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Burgers

These yummy Indian Spiced Quinoa-Chickpea Burgers are packed with delicious flavors and simple to make!

Just the other day, my husband and I were lamenting how little Indian food we've eaten since moving to New York. We had a favorite takeout place in San Francisco, which we ordered from a few times a month.

Of course, there are many Indian restaurants here. I've even cooked some Indian dishes. We still haven't found a favorite place though, and I suppose that's part of the problem. I think we just need to keep trying, right?

Last week, I was working on a veggie burger recipe. As I was mashing up the chickpeas, it occurred to me that the burgers would be delicious with some Indian seasoning. These Indian-Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Burgers were the result!

Indian-Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Burgers

Veggie burgers and fries are a favorite meal of mine, but I'm very picky about them. I've found that a lot of homemade varieties are mushy and tend to squish out of the bun as you eat them.

Not these burgers. They have a very firm texture, thanks to a few tricks.

First, mashed chickpeas form a paste that holds everything together. A little flour and egg help, too. The result is a firm veggie burger that keeps its shape while it cooks, and as you eat it.

Of course, they taste good, too! The chickpeas and quinoa are seasoned with garam masala, a blend of spices often used in Indian cuisine. It adds a complex, mildly spicy flavor to the burgers. You can find it in the spice section at your grocery store or make your own.

Cilantro and green onions add additional kick to these burgers. I had samosas on my mind as I made these, so I threw in some green peas, too. If you're not a pea fan, diced zucchini or carrots would make a good substitute.

Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce is the perfect topper for these Indian-Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Burgers. Inspired by raita, an Indian yogurt condiment, this sauce adds the perfect finishing touch!

These Indian-Spiced Chickpea Burgers are quick and easy enough for a busy weeknight. Pair them with my easy Sweet Potato Fries for a tasty meal!

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Indian-Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Burgers

These delish Indian-Inspired Quinoa Chickpea Burgers are packed with bold flavors and simple to make!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Sandwich

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Ginnie

Ingredients

For Burgers:

• ¼ cup quinoa
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup flour
• 1 green onion, minced (green part only)
• ¼ cup peas, fresh or frozen (thawed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 small cucumber peeled, seeded, and diced
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small garlic clove minced or pressed
• ¼ tsp. cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

For Serving:

• 4 burger buns
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• lettuce

Instructions

Prepare Burgers:

• Fill a medium saucepan with salted water. Cover and place over high heat.
• When water boils, add quinoa. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until quinoa is tender, about 10 - 15 minutes.
• Drain quinoa in a strainer and set aside.
• Meanwhile, add olive oil to a small skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
• When hot, add onion and cook until browned, stirring often.
• Add garlic, garam masala, cayenne, and salt to pan. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Place chickpeas in a large bowl and mash until smooth.
• Add quinoa, sauteed onions, egg, and flour to chickpeas.
• Stir until well blended.
• Carefully fold in green onions, peas, and cilantro. Taste and add additional salt, if desired.
• Use your hands to shape mixture (it will be sticky) into 4 equal-sized burgers.
• Heat 2 tsp. olive in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add burgers and cook until browned on one side.
• Flip and cook until browned on the other side.

Prepare Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce:

• While burgers are cooking, combine cucumber, yogurt, garlic, and cumin in a bowl for the Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serving:

• Serve burgers on buns, topped with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce, tomato slices, and lettuce. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

Are you a burger (veggie or not) and fries person, too?