Burgers have become one of the most popular fast foods across the world. Whether you’re a child or an adult, the taste of a crispy tikki sandwiched between soft buns, loaded with veggies and sauces, is irresistible. Though we usually pick a burger from a fast food joint, the true delight comes from preparing your own street-style burger tikki at home. It’s not just healthier and more hygienic, but you also have the liberty to regulate the ingredients and flavors as per your taste. In this article, let’s discover how to prepare tasty, crunchy burger tikkis from scratch and make a lip-smacking burger that will win over any you have had outside.
Ingredients need for Burger tikki
For the Tikki:
- 4 medium-sized boiled potatoes
- 2 slices of bread (soaked and squeezed)
- ½ cup of boiled green peas
- ¼ cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons chopped capsicum finely
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 finely chopped green chili (optional)
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon red chili powde
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur)
- Salt according to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (for binding)
- Bread crumbs (for coating)
- Oil (for shallow or deep frying)
For the Burger Assembly:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tomato sliced
- 1 sliced cucumber
- 1 sliced onion (rings)
- Few lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves
- 4 cheese slices (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (to toast the buns)
Step-by-Step Preparation Burger
- Preparing the Veggies
Boil the potatoes and green peas in advance. Mash the potatoes smoothly and crush the peas slightly. Grate the carrots and chop the capsicum very finely. All these fresh veggies will give a nice texture and flavor to your tikki.
- Preparing the Tikki Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, put the mashed potatoes, mashed peas, carrots, capsicum, and soaked-and-squeezed bread slices. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chili (if using), chopped coriander leaves, and all the dry spices – red chili powder, garam masala, amchur, and salt. Put cornflour as a binder so that the mixture sets properly.
Combine everything together well until you achieve a soft but firm dough consistency. If it is too wet, add a few spoons or two of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
- Shaping and Frying the Tikkis
Cut into small portions and roll them out thick and circular in shape, approximately the diameter of your burger bun. Cover each tikki evenly with breadcrumbs to give it a crispy exterior.
Heat oil in a pan or skillet on a medium heat. Shallow fry the tikkis until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Gently turn them so they don’t break. You can also deep fry or bake in an oven or air fryer for a healthier alternative.
Arrange the fried tikkis on a tissue paper-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Assembling the Burger
- Toasting the Buns
Split the burger buns horizontally. Put a small amount of butter on the sliced sides and toast them on a hot pan or tawa until they are lightly golden and crispy. This adds flavor and prevents the bun from going soggy when sauces are poured.
- Layering the Burger
On half of the bun, place a good sized spoonful of mayonnaise. Over that, place a leaf of lettuce. Then place one hot and crispy tikki on top very gently.
Now place a slice of tomato, onion, and cucumber each. You may also place a cheese slice over the tikki if you want a cheesy burger.
Spread a bit more mayonnaise (or your sauce of choice) on the inside of the top bun and press it gently over the stack.
- Serving
Your street-style burger is now complete! Serve it hot with ketchup, mustard, or your preferred dip, and enjoy with fries or chips on the side for the full fast food experience.
Tips for the Perfect Burger Tikki
Consistency is crucial: Ensure that your tikki mixture is not too soft or else it might break during frying. You can also fix the texture with more breadcrumbs or an addition of rice flour spoonful.
Vary the mix: Experiment freely by adding other ingredients such as sweet corn, beans, crumbled paneer, or even grated beetroot for nutrition and color.
Spice it up: You can blend chili flakes or peri-peri seasoning into mayonnaise to add a spicy kick to your burger.
Healthier options: If you’re health-conscious, air-fry or bake the tikki with a light spray of oil. You’ll still enjoy a great crunch with fewer calories.
Personalize the sauce: Blend ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or even mint chutney to make your own special burger sauce.
Why Burger Tikki is Loved by All
The charm of a burger tikki is its versatility. It’s filling, healthy (when prepared with fresh vegetables), and enjoyable for both children and adults. Children enjoy the cheesy, crunchy layers, while adults enjoy the combination of flavors and textures. It’s ideal for birthday parties, school tiffins, evening snacks, or even informal gatherings.
Additionally, cooking burgers at home provides you with control over ingredients – from the quality of oil used to the quality of vegetables, sauces, and buns. In contrast to fast food or store-bought burgers, a homemade burger tikki is healthier, cost-effective, and made with love.
Conclusion for Burger Tikki Recipe
And that’s it – a step-by-step guide to preparing crispy, delicious burger tikki in your very own home. This is an easy recipe, affordable as well, that promises smiles at every bite. You’ll be amazed at how your homemade burger can easily hold its own compared to those offered by large burger chains – and perhaps even trump them in freshness and taste.
So the next time hunger strikes, forgo the delivery app and get into your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and some effort, you can have restaurant-quality burgers made at home.
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