Samosa Vs. Burger: You Won’t Believe Which Is Healthier and How to Prepare them

At least once in our lives, we have all had the burger vs samosa debate. But guess what? Now we have the final verdict! According to a new Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report released on November 27, a samosa is healthier than a burger any day.

The answer has always been pretty evident and in our faces. Samosas are better because they are made with fresh ingredients and are free of additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Photo Courtesy Of EatTeam

Even though samosas are deep-fried and would come across as super unhealthy, they are still better than burgers. Even the Rs. 5 nukkad-wala samosa, is made with not-so-fresh oil.

And yet, the survey states that the ingredients of the samosa, like wheat flour, cumin, boiled potatoes, peas, salt, chilies, spices, vegetable oil, or ghee are mostly chemical-free, and natural.

Suck It Up Burgers!

Here’s why burgers rate higher on the unhealthy scale: They have antioxidants along with refined wheat flour, sugar, gluten, vegetable oil, yeast, salt, soya flour, sesame seed, vegetables, mayonnaise, cheese, and patty!

A burger also has an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and improve. “Fresh food contains none of the chemicals present in ultra-processed food,” read the report titled Body Burden: Lifestyle Diseases.

So well, now we know that triangles can be better than circles, geddit? Geddit? It’s okay just go eat your samosas and feel less guilty!

How to prepare samosa and burger at home

Here are basic recipes for preparing samosas and burgers at home:

Samosas:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for the dough)
• 1/4 cup oil or ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• Water (for kneading)
• 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1 cup boiled peas
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, mix the flour, carom seeds, and oil. Gradually add water and knead to form a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add ginger, green chili, and sauté for a minute.
   • Add peas, mashed potatoes, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Shape the Samosas:
   • Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval shape. Cut it in half to form two semi-circles.
   • Create a cone shape by folding the semi-circle and sealing the edges with water.
   • Stuff the cone with the potato filling, seal the open edge and create a triangular shape.
4. Frying:
   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the samosas until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Burgers:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or your choice of meat (or plant-based alternative)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Cheese slices (optional)
• Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (or your preferred condiments)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Patties:
   • Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into four portions and shape them into patties.
2. Cooking Patties:
   • Cook the patties on a grill or stovetop over medium-high heat. Cook to your preferred level of doneness.
3. Prepare the Buns:
   • Slice the burger buns in half. Toast them lightly on the grill or in a pan.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Spread condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, mayo) on the bottom half of each bun.
   • Place a lettuce leaf on the bun, followed by the cooked patty.
   • Add a slice of cheese (if using), followed by sliced tomatoes and onions.
   • Top with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides.

Feel free to customize these recipes based on your preferences and dietary choices. Enjoy your homemade samosas and burgers!