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Mumbai-Style Chicken Burger by Cyrus Todiwala

November 16, 2016

INTRODUCTION

As far as I am concerned, Mumbai - a melting pot of cultures, religions and cooking - is the food capital of India, especially street food. Of course, 'burger' is not the word locals use for this snack; kavaab, kebab, cutlet or pattie are all more likely.

INGREDIENTS

Makes: 4 medium-sized or 8 small burgers

FOR THE BURGERS

500 grams chicken leg meat
4 - 5 cloves garlic (coarsely chopped)
10 - 15 sprigs fresh coriander
30 - 40 leaves fresh mint with stems
5 centimetres piece of fresh root ginger (peeled and coarsely chopped)
2 finger-type fresh green chilli
1 teaspoon Spice Kitchen garam masala (see below)
1 teaspoon Spice Kitchen ground cumin
1 teaspoon Spice Kitchen ground coriander
½ teaspoon Spice Kitchen ground turmeric
½ teaspoon Spice Kitchen red chilli powder
1 teaspoon lime juice
3 slices white bread (crusts removed)
extra-virgin rapeseed oil for griddling (optional)
salt

TO SERVE

4 - 8 split and toasted soft white burger buns
tomato (sliced)
red onion (sliced)
chutney

METHOD

Remove all the sinew and gristle from the chicken, but keep the fat attached. Cut into small pieces. Mince the chicken in a blender and add garlic, fresh herbs and chillies through it and into a bowl.
Add all the ground spices and the lime juice and knead well.
Soak the bread in water, then squeeze into a ball as dry as you can make it. Knead it thoroughly into the mince. Fry a small amount of the mixture to check the seasoning, then season the raw mixture with salt as necessary. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, until nice and firm.
Light a barbecue or heat an oiled griddle pan until very hot.
Meanwhile, shape the chicken mixture into equal-sized patties of your chosen size. Cook them on one side for about 3-4 minutes, until well coloured, then turn and cook the other side for about 3-4 minutes. Take care not to overcook them - when done, they should feel spongy and be slightly juicy inside.
Serve in toasted buns with sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions and chutney.