Lentil enthusiasts, these lentil patties are just for you! These robust meat-free burgers are crafted with recognizable and nourishing ingredients, setting them apart from many current store-bought varieties. While my Favorite Veggie Burgers remain my top choice, these lentil patties follow closely behind.
These patties are seasoned with shredded carrot, fresh cilantro or parsley, onion and garlic, along with spices such as chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Two eggs are optional (omit for vegan patties), but they add extra moisture and a lighter texture.
The recipe comes together seamlessly in the food processor. Similar to my veggie patties, these lentil patties are best when baked in the oven, which is a more efficient and straightforward approach compared to skillet cooking. They emerge beautifully golden and firm enough to maintain their shape within a bun.
Lentil Patty Serving Suggestions
These patties are best enjoyed with bold toppings, such as an herbed avocado sauce and pickles. You might also serve these patties without bread, perhaps on a green salad or over cooked brown rice, farro or quinoa with some of the topping ideas provided below. Freeze any leftover patties for a quick protein and fiber boost in future meals.
– Buns or bread of choice, such as hamburger buns, English muffins or even flatbread. Lightly toast them for added texture.
– Sauce, like guacamole (as shown here), avocado pesto, avocado dip, green goddess tahini dip, ketchup, mayo or mustard.
– Greens, including crisp lettuce, arugula or spinach.
– Add crunch with dill pickles, quick-pickled red onions, or thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers.
– Sliced ripe tomato, only when in season!
Lentil Tips
This recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of regular greenish-brown lentils. You can prepare them yourself, or utilize canned lentils or steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s. Regardless of the cooking method, spread them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before using. If you have leftover lentils, toss them into a green salad this week.
More Hearty Meatless Mains
Here are some additional bean and lentil-based recipes to explore:
Please share how your lentil patties turn out in the comments! I enjoy hearing from you and hope this recipe becomes a beloved staple for you.
Lentil Veggie Patties
These meat-free lentil patties are hearty, flavorful, and maintain their shape well. They come together effortlessly in the food processor. Bake them to golden perfection, and freeze the leftovers for later. Recipe yields 8 veggie patties.
Lentil Patties
Patty assembly suggestions
– 8 buns of choice (hamburger buns, English muffins or flatbread), toasted
– Sauce: Guacamole, Avocado Pesto, Avocado Dip, Green Goddess Tahini Dip, ketchup, mayonnaise or mustard
– Greens: Lettuce, arugula or spinach
– Add some crunch: Dill pickles, quick-pickled red onions, or thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers
– Tomato slices
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. Drain the lentils thoroughly in a colander, then measure 2 ½ cups and spread them across a lint-free tea towel or paper towels to dry (if you have extra lentils, set them aside for another use).
3. To prepare the patties: Slice the halved onion into a few sections before adding the onion and garlic cloves to the food processor. Pulse until the onions are coarsely chopped, but not pureed.
4. Add to the food processor: towel-dried lentils, eggs, oats, a handful of herbs (optional), chili powder and cumin, salt and black pepper. Process until the mixture resembles chunky hummus (err on the side of caution here). Mix in the grated carrot by hand.
5. To form the patties: Divide the lentil mixture into 8 equal parts using about ½ cup each. Shape them into patties about 1-inch thick. (If your mixture is too wet to shape, stir in a couple of tablespoons of your preferred flour, or more as necessary.)
6. Brush both sides of each patty generously with oil and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring a few inches of space between them. Bake until the patties are nicely golden on the outside, about 35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. To assemble the patties: Toast your buns if desired. Begin with the lower bun topped with lettuce, if using, followed by a veggie patty, then spread a generous layer of guacamole or sauce on top. Add crunchy condiments and tomato, and enjoy!
8. Leftover patties