Lentil Burgers

Lentil Burgers

Lentil Burgers are easy, delicious, economical. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what's in the food - no preservatives, conditioners, or other strange stuff! The basic mixture can be prepared in many versatile ways: as burger patties, muffins, or a loaf - take your pick. I prefer making burger patties or muffins as they are perfect for individual servings and freezing - and the bonus is that they cook faster too!

Lentil burgers maybe served with buns and the usual accompaniments or by themselves with or without a Green Chutney, Tomato Chutney or  sauce, or Homemade Gravy.

Since the burgers freeze and reheat well, it is great to make a big batch of these; freeze for upto 3 months or so.

Notes: 

Do use the old fashioned rolled oats and not the steel-cut oats.

If you like the Lentil burgers well spiced, add more of the spices to the lentil mixture.

Ingredients: About 15 Burgers

1 cup dry Lentils cooked

1 1/2 cups dry Rolled Oats (old fashioned)
1/2 cup Finely Chopped Walnuts/Pecans/Almonds (Optional)

1 Carrot, coarsely grated

1 Zucchini, coarsely  grated

1 small bunch Green Onion, finely chopped

2 ribs Celery, finely chopped

1-2 cloves Garlic, minced

1/2 tsp Turmeric
2 tsp Cumin, ground

1 small bunch Parsley, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh Thyme leaves

1 sprig Sage, minced
3 Tbsp ground Flax Seeds
3 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast

1/2 tsp Each: Black and Red Pepper
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
2 tsp Sea Salt

about 1/2 cup Cornmeal for coating

To Serve:
Burger Buns or Pita Bread
Lettuce
Sliced Tomatoes, Onions, Avocadoes
Dill Pickles
Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo

Method:

Cook the lentils with about 2 cups of water until soft; let cool. Instant Pot is great for cooking the lentils.

Prepare the veggies and herbs. The celery, garlic, and herbs maybe processed in a food processor to mince finely with a few pulses.

Combine lentils, oats, nuts, veggies and herbs in a large bowl.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the lentils and mix well. Let rest for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This mixture can be prepared up to this point a day ahead of time and chilled until ready to bake.

When ready to bake:
Begin heating the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Form the mixture (about 1/2 cup) into burgers, coat with the cornmeal, and place on the parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the mixture is set and lightly browned on the bottom; flip the burgers and bake for 20 more minutes.

Instead of baking, the burgers maybe cooked in a lightly oiled skillet also; cook slowly over low-medium heat until both sides are browned, about 7-8 minutes total time.

Cool slightly before serving.

Serve hot with  toasted buns or pita bread.

Enjoy!!