4.05.2009

Curried Chickpea Burgers

Curried Chickpea Burgers

Did You Know? In Britain the term "curry" has come to mean almost any Indian dish, whilst most people from the [Indian] sub-continent would say it is not a word they use. In India curry simply means "sauce." Therefore, Indian foods made with sauces are all "curries."

The last time I made veggie burgers, I promised to share my favorite variation on the original in the future. Having a soft spot for Thai and Indian flavors, I wanted to incorporate some of the ingredients those cultures tend to turn to. I had also just made a batch of Curried Cauliflower Soup, and the curry craving inside me was not completely satisfied.

I also needed to create a lunch alternative that could be made ahead of time, and was easy to throw together. Which is why I immediately thought to change up my favorite sandwich. Having classes scattered throughout the day, this burger freezes wonderfully, and is sauteed to a golden brown in no time, making it perfect for a busy school day.



Curried Chickpea Burgers

Spiked with red curry powder, ginger, and cilantro, the hint of sweet apple really does a wonderful job of rounding out the flavors. And like the previously mentioned, the crisp outside breaks open to a creamy chickpea center, studded with colors and flavors. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. I can imagine lots of things would work here. Perhaps an Asian patty, with edamame, soy sauce, and ginger? Switching up the chickpeas and tossing in black beans instead. I'll be sure to post more combinations in the future. And if you have any favorites, let me know in the comments.

Curried Chickpea Burgers
Originally adapted from 101 Cookbooks

2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 large eggs
1 medium apple, diced (I used golden delicious)
10-12 baby carrots (about 1/2 cup, grated)
1/2 tablespoon red curry powder
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 cup alfalfa sprouts
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or cooking spray

Pulse the carrots in a food processor until finely grated. Add in the chickpeas, eggs, salt, and curry powder. Puree until the mixture is the consistency of a slightly chunky hummus. You don't want a smooth batter. Add the alfalfa sprouts, apple, and cilantro, and pulse a few more times just to combine. Pour into a mixing bowl and stir in the onion and ginger. Stir in the breadcrumbs and flax, and let sit for a couple of minutes so the crumbs can absorb some of the moisture.

Form the burger mixture into patties, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I use an ice cream scoop for this to get around 15-18 small burgers. You can either freeze the patties (which is what I do, so I can have them whenever the mood strikes), or heat up that last tablespoon of oil in a skillet, and cook for a few minutes on each side, until nicely browned and heated through.

Slather with your favorite hummus, and sandwich between you grain of choice. Or try what a lot of others have recommended, and use the burgers as the bun, filling the inside with salad bar ingredients.


Curried Chickpea Burgers

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I wanted to ask all of you if you could hop on over to Dianasaur Dishes, and leave a comment on her latest post. Her brother Jason shares his love for ham and mustard sandwiches, and he is just too cute. I know leaving a comment would surely make his day, and pump him up for a future post!



33 comments:

  1. What a lovely looking burger. And using hummus as a spread - Genius!

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  2. Curry + chickpeas = match made in heaven. Loooove those burgers!!

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  3. well after I made those curry chickpeas I have to now make this. I'm not a huge fan of the sprouts, but I think the burgers would be great nonetheless. And since you said they freeze well, I really do need to try them because I'm a 'freezer junkie' ha ha.
    Wouldn't this be good with some tzatzaki sauce? oh yum!

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  4. I really liked this suggestion and I may try very soon.
    I don't appreciate curry and cilantro very much, but I can use other things of course.
    I always cook fresh chickpeas and that's a very good idea to use them.
    It's good to know they are freezable as well.
    Well done!

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  5. thanks for the blog visit! these burgers looks SO GOOD! you had me at curry, ginger, and apple...yummm

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  6. I love bean burgers, they're so healthy and delicious. I can't wait to try this version, looks like a great flavor combination.

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  7. mmm...curry! great recipe! the final presentation looks incredible with that hummus oozing out :)

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  8. These sound realllly good. I love chickpeas and its always great to see something different to do with them!

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  9. Wow, that burger looks delish. Wonder if I could trick my family into believing that it was a real sort of burger for din. It just about worked when I fed them portobello mushroom burgers!

    I have curry on the brain too... was thinking up some curried cauliflower for this week.

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  10. I love these burgers.. I've only ordered them in restaurants.. never made my own. But I plan on trying this recipe!

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  11. Those look and sound really good. I love the idea of apple in there, plus all that cilantro..mmm mmm.

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  12. These look like the all-time best veggie burgers. I'm totally into the cilantro hummus from Trader Joe's, and I bet it would be yummalicious on your burgers.

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  13. Oh wow.I love the picture of the uncooked burgers!

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  14. We don't know if it's essential to cook them in a cast iron, but we want a cast iron like the dickens, so we'll say it is essential to cook them that way. De-lish!

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  15. This looks delicious! I can't wait to try it.

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  16. It's been a long time since I've made veggie burgers. These look great!

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  17. These are fantastic! I love veggie burgers, and I love all these flavors together!

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  18. These look wonderful Hayley! I love the combination of flavors and the texture would be fanatastic.

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  19. What is is about just seeing the words: "curried chickpea burgers" that makes me weak in the knees? Mmm. I am bookmarking this one for sure.

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  20. Chickpeas and curry are always a good flavour combingation. These burgers look yummy!

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  21. These sound fabulous. I have never tried before, but I am trying this one!

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  22. so true..we never use the word 'curry' to describe our food. infact, 'curry' in my native indian language, Tamil, is used to describe meat!

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  23. Great combination of flavors, but I'm surprised they hold together so well! Chickpeas are notoriously difficult to use in veggie burgers, it's easier with a starchier bean like black or pinto. Looks like it worked though, good stuff!

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  24. This recipe and your blog look great. I recently had a curry dish with apples and it was delish! Can't wait to try this one.

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  25. Ohhh goodness. These burgers look delicious!

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  26. So, here's what I'm thinking. You can't go wrong w/this...especially w/the spinach addition!

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  27. This is one hearty and flavorful veggie burger! The photo is delectable :).

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  28. How perfect- Flavorful, and full of healthy ingredients! I must make these.

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  29. Great looking burger, and the hummus slathering sounds delicious!

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  30. Ooh yummy, curried anything is always amazing, and I haven't had burgers in quite a while. These look delicious! (and good idea with the hummus, I've been on a hummus bender lately, I just can't seem to make enough of it!)

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  31. These look so tasty and healthy. It's a good idea to add some spice to the patties.

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  32. I have had your recipe starred on my google reader for a while and I finally tested it out...its so great and easy! I'm also a fan of your blog. I recently started my own blog and plan to write about my veggie burgers soon. Check it out:

    http://chipsandcottagecheese.blogspot.com/

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