If you're in the mood for something bold, comforting, and meat-free, this curried bean burger with cilantro yogurt might just become your new go-to. It’s everything you love about a black bean burger—hearty, satisfying, protein-packed—but with a fragrant Indian-inspired twist. The warm notes of curry, cumin, and garlic pair beautifully with the cool, herby yogurt sauce, making it a standout among veggie burger recipes. It’s quick enough for easy dinner recipes and tasty enough to show off at your next casual get-together. Plus, it works great as a make-ahead option for lunch ideas throughout the week.
Curried Bean Burger with Cilantro Yogurt
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Indian
Mixing bowls
Food processor or potato masher for a chunkier texture
Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
Spatula
Microplane for lime zest, if desired
Spoon or whisk for sauce
For the curried bean patties:
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa adds structure and a nutty flavor
- 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup rolled oats or almond flour for a low-carb variation
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
For the cilantro yogurt sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt to taste
To assemble:
- Toasted whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps
- Sliced cucumber
- Shredded red cabbage or lettuce
- Sliced avocado optional
Make the burger mixture
In a bowl or food processor, combine the black beans, quinoa, carrot, onion, garlic, egg, oats, olive oil, and all the spices. Pulse or mix until mostly smooth but still textured. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon more oats.
Form and chill
Divide the mixture into 4 even patties. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to help them firm up—this makes cooking easier and helps the patties hold their shape.
Cook the patties
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
Make the cilantro yogurt
In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Assemble your burgers
Spread the cilantro yogurt on the bottom bun, add a burger patty, and top with cucumber slices, cabbage, and avocado if using. Spoon more yogurt sauce on top before adding the top bun.
Pairings
These curried bean burgers go wonderfully with sweet potato wedges, a side of cucumber raita, or a chickpea tabbouleh for a full-on Mediterranean diet recipes vibe. For drinks, a chilled hibiscus tea or mint lemonade balances the spices beautifully. And if you're in the mood for a sweet ending, flip through your favorite dessert recipes—a light mango sorbet would complement the curry flavor so well.
FAQs
1. Can I make this a keto-friendly burger?
This version includes oats and quinoa, which aren’t keto, but you can easily adapt it. Use almond flour instead of oats, and skip the quinoa entirely or substitute with riced cauliflower. Serve in a lettuce wrap for a keto-approved meal—perfect for those on the lookout for modified keto recipes.
2. Can I use different beans?
Definitely. While this is based on a black bean burger recipe, white beans or kidney beans work just as well. If you're into experimenting with white bean recipes or want to try a kidney bean burger, just maintain the same general proportions.
3. What makes this different from a basic black bean burger?
The curry spices and quinoa elevate it beyond your standard blackbeans burgers. It’s still an easy, approachable meal but brings in big, global flavor—an upgrade for fans of a classic veggie burger recipe easy enough for weeknights.
4. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. They also freeze well—just separate them with parchment paper and store in a zip-top bag.
5. Is this a good option for healthy snacks or meal prep?
Absolutely. These bean burgers are packed with protein and fiber, making them one of the better healthy snacks that also double as a satisfying lunch or dinner. Make mini versions for snack-size sliders.
