Description
These Lentil Burgers are hearty, protein-packed, and full of flavor. With a satisfying texture and wholesome ingredients, they prove that plant-based burgers can be just as delicious as traditional meat patties.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red lentils (or 2 1/2 cups cooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Binding Agent:
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Rinse lentils well. In a saucepan, combine with vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12-15 minutes until tender. Let cool 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion 5 minutes, then add garlic and carrot. Cook 3 more minutes until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled lentils, sautéed vegetables, oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Stir well, then add egg and combine until mixture holds together.
- Divide into 6 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Place on parchment-lined plate and refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat remaining oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until golden and heated through (165°F internal temp).
Notes
Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, use green lentils for a firmer bite, or replace egg with flaxseed mixture for a vegan option. Serve with buns, avocado, and fresh toppings for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6.8g
- Protein: 9.2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: lentil burgers, veggie burger, healthy plant-based recipe, easy vegetarian dinner
