Burgers, for me, are comfort food to a point that I can’t even explain. Looking for a vegetarian or vegan Indian-style veggie burger that will blow your mind? Look no further! This recipe is perfect for those who love burgers but want to skip the meat. Made with a deliciously crispy and flavorful potato veggie filling, this burger is perfect for grilling days or any day of the week. And the best part? You can deep fry, air fry, or pan fry these patties to your liking. Even meat-eating friends will love this burger! So, why not give it a try? Check out my notes for vegan alternatives. Moving to the states from India, a burger is something I miss the most. I am yet to find a good vegetable burger that will blow my mind, and no, I’m not a fan of beyond meat. So I am sharing this recipe so that fellow vegetarians/vegans in the USA (like me) can make this and see what I mean.

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 6-7 burgers

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1.5-2 hours

Ingredients: 

Patties: 

• 6-7 small golden potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed

• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onions, about 1 small

• 3-4 Garlic cloves minced

• 1 inch ginger grated or 1 tbsp ginger paste

• 1 -2 green chili/serrano finely chopped, based on taste

• 1 1/2 cup chopped Mixed veggies, I used frozen corn, beans, carrots, and peas; if you are using fresh, blanch them

• 1/2 cup crumbled Paneer

• 3/4th tsp cumin powder

• 3/4th tsp red chili powder

• 1/4th tsp Coriander powder

• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes

• 1.5 tbsp chopped Parsley

• 2 tbsp chopped Basil

• 1.5 tbsp chopped cilantro

• 1-2 tsp Salt as per taste

• 1/4 tsp Pepper

• 1/4 tsp Sugar

• 2 tsp peanut/veg oil

• 1 tbsp butter

To coat:

• 1/3 cup flour

• 11/4 cup water

• Panko

Spicy Mayo:

• 1/4 cup Mayonaise

• 2-3 tbsp Ketchup

• 1.5 tbsp Sriracha

To assemble:

• Burger buns

• Cheese slices

• Onions in thin slices

• Tomatoes in thin slices

• Lettuce

• Coriander chutney

Directions: 

1. In a pan add oil and add garlic, ginger, green chili, and onions. Cook it together on low-medium till fragrant and they start browning. Cook for about 5-8 minutes.

2. Add the butter to the middle of the pan and add the spices to it. Cook for 2-3 mins.

3. Add the veggies and cook it till combined for 2-3 mins.

4. Add the salt, sugar, and pepper along with the chopped herbs and mix it.

5. Let the mixture cool.

6. Once cooled, add the crumbled paneer and mashed boiled potatoes. Mix it all till it forms a mixture that can be shaped into patties. Taste the salt/spice at this stage and add more if needed.

7. Lightly dampen your hand and form the mixture into patties the size of the burger buns.

8. To cover the patties- whisk flour and water together. Dip the patty in the flour mixture so that it covers it and then in panko and coat it well. I like to double dip it by repeating the flour and panko layer. This makes it very crispy when cooked.

9. Deep-fry or air fry or pan fry the patties. Check notes.

10. Mix mayo, ketchup, and sriracha together.

11. To assemble: Warm the buns and spread the spicy mayo and coriander chutney on one side each. Layer with lettuce, cheese slice, tomato, onion, and the cooked patty.

12. Melted Cheese hack- I like to place the cheese slice on patty and broil in the oven or grill for 1 minute so it melts on the patty and then layer it.

13. Serve with your favorite sides like onion rings, pickles French fires, etc.

Notes/Tips:

• The potatoes need to be well boiled so that they mash easily.

• Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to the patties so do not skip them!

• You can add any vegetables you like. Apart from the ones I used, you can use cauliflower, scallions, and chopped spinach.

• You can make the patties from before and keep them. Coat and cook them when you're serving.

• The double coat helps make it crispy.

• Deep fry- fry in hot oil, around 350F for 2-4 mins till it is well cooked, brown, and crispy. Do not put it in very hot oil otherwise, the inside won’t heat up.

• Air fry- Spray oil on the patties. Air fry at 380 for 8-9 mins, then flip and cook for 4-5 mins

• I love using brioche buns if possible, the buttery bun just makes it better.

• Vegan- Use oil instead of butter. Skip paneer, you can add half the amount of vegan cottage cheese.