Bun kabab is a beloved street food classic from South Asia, traditionally featuring succulent meat patties sandwiched in soft buns with tangy chutneys and fresh veggies. But what if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist that retains all the rich flavors and satisfying textures?
This vegetarian bun kabab recipe is just what you need! Using wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, potatoes, and aromatic spices, it creates patties that are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfectly complementing the soft buns and zesty sauces.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just craving a meatless delight, this recipe offers a deliciously wholesome and fulfilling snack or meal option that will impress family and friends alike.
Ready in under an hour, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between ease and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or spice levels to suit your palate.
Let’s dive into this flavorful journey of vegetarian bun kabab!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetarian and wholesome: Crafted with plant-based ingredients, this bun kabab is a hearty alternative to its meat counterpart, perfect for those seeking nutritious meatless meals.
Flavorful and aromatic: Each kabab is infused with vibrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Easy to make: The recipe uses simple ingredients found in most kitchens and requires minimal prep time, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade snack without hassle.
Customizable: You can tweak the spice levels or add your favorite veggies and herbs to make it truly your own.
Perfect for any occasion — whether as a quick lunch, street food experience at home, or party appetizer, these vegetarian bun kababs never disappoint.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled chickpeas (or canned, drained)
- 2 medium boiled potatoes, peeled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for binding)
- Oil for frying
- 4 burger buns or soft sandwich buns
- Butter or vegan spread for toasting buns
- Green chutney (mint-coriander chutney)
- Tamarind chutney or ketchup
- Sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber for garnish
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Plate lined with paper towels
- Bread toaster or pan for toasting buns
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas and potatoes: Mash the boiled chickpeas and potatoes together in a large mixing bowl until well combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Add the aromatics and spices: Mix in the finely chopped onion, green chilies, cilantro, and ginger-garlic paste. Then add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Bind the mixture: Gradually add bread crumbs to the mixture, mixing until it holds together well enough to form patties without falling apart. Add more bread crumbs if needed.
- Shape the kababs: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round, flat patty roughly the size of your buns. Place them on a plate.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip gently.
- Toast the buns: While the kababs are cooking, butter the buns lightly and toast them on a pan or in a toaster until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the bun kababs: Spread a generous layer of green chutney on the bottom bun, place the hot kabab on top, add sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and drizzle tamarind chutney or ketchup on top. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your vegetarian bun kababs hot with your favorite beverage or side salad.
Tips & Variations
For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of cornflour or gram flour (besan) to the patty mixture.
If you want to make this gluten-free, substitute bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
- Add grated carrots or finely chopped bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Use vegan buns and spreads to make this recipe fully vegan.
- Try different chutneys such as garlic chutney or yogurt-mint sauce for variety.
- Air-fry the kababs instead of pan-frying for a healthier version.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bun kabab) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegetarian bun kababs with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Pair them with a cooling yogurt raita or a tangy mango pickle to enhance the flavors.
For a party platter, cut the assembled kababs in halves and offer toothpicks along with assorted chutneys like tamarind, mint, or garlic for dipping.
Conclusion
This vegetarian bun kabab recipe is a delightful way to enjoy classic South Asian street food flavors without meat. The combination of chickpeas, potatoes, and vibrant spices creates a patty that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a textural delight, while the fresh veggies and chutneys add just the right zing. Whether you’re catering to vegetarian guests or simply want to try something new, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For more exciting recipes to complement your vegetarian meals, don’t miss our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or explore hearty options like our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for non-vegetarian inspiration.
For delicious homemade beverages to enjoy alongside, check out the refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe.
Enjoy crafting these scrumptious vegetarian bun kababs and savor the taste of authentic street food right in your home!
📖 Recipe Card: Bun Kabab Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A delicious and spicy vegetarian twist on the classic bun kabab, using chickpeas and potatoes. Perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiled chickpeas
- 1 medium boiled potato
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
- 4 slices of cheese (optional)
- Sliced onions, tomatoes, and chutney for assembling
Instructions
- Mash boiled chickpeas and potato together in a bowl.
- Add onion, green chilies, bread crumbs, spices, coriander, and salt. Mix well.
- Form mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry patties until golden brown on both sides.
- Toast burger buns lightly.
- Assemble buns with patties, cheese slices, onions, tomatoes, and chutney.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 45 g
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