Bhaji Burger with Mint Raita and Crispy Onion Recipe
Introduction
The Bhaji Burger is a flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining spiced lamb patties with crispy onion bhajis and refreshing raita. This fusion dish blends Indian-inspired spices with familiar burger elements for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 400g lamb mince
- 2 tbsp tandoori paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ cucumber
- 150g pot plain yogurt
- ½ small pack mint, leaves chopped
- 100g plain flour
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 onion, halved and finely sliced
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
- 3 burger buns (brioche recommended), toasted
- A few lettuce leaves
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Mango chutney
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the lamb burgers by combining the lamb mince, tandoori paste, cumin seeds, garam masala, bicarbonate of soda, sliced onion, and a good pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well with your fingers, then shape the mixture into three equal patties. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the other components.
- Step 2: Make the raita by grating the cucumber and squeezing out as much liquid as possible. In a bowl, combine the drained cucumber with the plain yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3: For the bhajis, mix the plain flour, garam masala, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Gradually add about 200ml of cold water, stirring to create a thick batter. Add the sliced onion and combine thoroughly.
- Step 4: Heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Drop the batter into the pan in three portions to form bhajis roughly the size of the burgers. Fry for about 3 minutes on one side until crispy, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through. Keep warm.
- Step 5: Cook the lamb burgers by barbecuing, griddling, or pan-frying them until cooked to your liking.
- Step 6: Assemble the burgers by placing lettuce on the toasted buns, adding a lamb burger, topping with some raita, a crispy bhaji, and slices of red onion. Serve with mango chutney on the side for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of tandoori paste or garam masala in the burgers and bhaji batter.
- Use Greek yogurt for a thicker raita consistency.
- If you prefer vegetarian, swap the lamb mince for spiced chickpea patties and follow the same assembly method.
- Serve with naan bread instead of burger buns for a different twist.
Storage
Store any leftover lamb patties and bhajis separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The raita should be kept chilled and consumed within 24 hours for best freshness. Reheat the patties and bhajis gently in a pan or oven until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to maintain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the bhaji batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the bhaji batter just before frying to ensure it stays fresh and crisp. If needed, you can prepare it up to 30 minutes in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.
What can I use instead of lamb mince?
You can substitute lamb mince with beef, chicken, or turkey mince depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, use mashed chickpeas or spiced vegetable patties.
Print
Bhaji Burger with Mint Raita and Crispy Onion Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This flavorful Bhaji Burger recipe combines spiced lamb patties with crispy onion bhajis, fresh mint raita, and tangy mango chutney for a unique and delicious twist on the classic burger. Perfect for those who enjoy vibrant Indian-inspired flavors fused with a Western favorite.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Burgers
- 400g lamb mince
- 2 tbsp tandoori paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 100g plain flour
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 onion, halved and finely sliced
- Salt, to taste
For the Raita
- ½ cucumber
- 150g plain yogurt
- ½ small pack mint, leaves chopped
- Salt, to taste
For the Bhajis
- 100g plain flour
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 onion, finely sliced (included above for both burgers and bhajis)
- Salt, to taste
- 200ml cold water (approximate for batter)
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
To Assemble
- 3 burger buns (brioche suggested), toasted
- A few lettuce leaves
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Mango chutney
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb Burgers: In a bowl, combine the lamb mince, tandoori paste, cumin seeds, salt, garam masala, bicarbonate of soda, sliced onion, and plain flour. Use your fingers to squeeze and mix all ingredients thoroughly. Shape the mixture into three even patties and place them in the fridge to chill while you prepare the other components.
- Make the Mint Raita: Grate the cucumber finely and then press or squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. In a separate bowl, mix the drained cucumber with plain yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and chill in the fridge until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bhaji Batter: In a bowl, combine the plain flour, garam masala, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gradually add approximately 200ml of cold water while stirring to form a thick, smooth batter. Incorporate the sliced onion into the batter evenly.
- Cook the Onion Bhajis: Heat sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Using a spoon, drop portions of the bhaji batter into the pan, shaping them into three burger-sized rounds. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until crispy and golden brown on one side, then carefully flip and cook the other side until fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Cook the Lamb Burgers: Using a barbecue, griddle, or frying pan, cook the lamb patties to your desired doneness, ensuring they are cooked through. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns lightly. On the base of each bun, place a few lettuce leaves followed by a cooked lamb burger. Add a generous spoonful of mint raita on top, then place a crispy onion bhaji and some thinly sliced red onion. Cover with the bun top and serve immediately with mango chutney on the side.
Notes
- Ensure the lamb patties are chilled before cooking to help them hold their shape better during grilling or frying.
- For a spicier burger, add extra tandoori paste or garam masala to the lamb mixture.
- You can prepare the raita and bhaji batter ahead of time to save preparation time on the day of cooking.
- Use brioche buns or any soft burger buns for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Drain cucumber thoroughly for raita to avoid a watery sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Keywords: Bhaji Burger, lamb burger, onion bhaji, tandoori lamb, Indian burger, spicy lamb patties, mint raita, Indian street food, fusion burger
