...But have not stepped foot in one in the United States in years? As so many of my cookbook users and readers of this blog have come to know, I am largely a plant-based eater. I don't talk about it a ton, only because I'm not perfect nor do I strive to be. But, I rarely if ever eat meat or fast food — I just feel better eating home-cooked, vegetarian meals.
But, when I go to India, I will indulge in a 'burger' from the Golden Arches. Mainly because the franchise in India caters to an Indian palette. When it first opened in Delhi back in 1996, it was the first beefless McDonald's outlet.
Because Hindus technically do not eat beef, all the burgers were made from lamb. I remember visiting as a college student and being able to also get aloo tikki and paneer burgers. In Chicago, a few years back, the headquarters offered up some of their international menu on rotation. Sadly, it did not stick. I think it would do well in a U.S. market if marketed correctly.
The recipe below is what I pull together for my family when they want an Indian version of a burger. I tend to stick with my vegetarian options, but my family is like many Punjabi families — mixed eaters. My husband eats meat while my kids lean vegetarians, but will eat it occasionally. This recipe below works really well because of the addition of chaat masala, which adds a tanginess that is subtle and addictive. Other recipes that I've seen add items like green chiles, cilantro, and ginger. You can do that as well. I honestly think simpler is much more delicious. When you start adding more of the other ingredients, it just feels like a kebab on a burger bun.
Try it both ways and let me know what you think in the comment section below. I'm also including the vegetarian version for my chickpea burgers — what I make for myself on 'burger' night. There really is room at the table for all of us.
Makes: ~8 burgers
Comments will be approved before showing up.
