Lentil enthusiasts, these lentil patties are just for you! These robust meat-free burgers are crafted with familiar and wholesome ingredients, unlike many of the current store-bought alternatives. My Favorite Veggie Burgers remain my top choice, but these lentil patties take a close second.
These patties are infused with grated carrot, fresh cilantro or parsley, onion and garlic, along with spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Two eggs are optional (leave them out for vegan patties), as they add extra moisture and a lighter texture.
The recipe comes together seamlessly in the food processor. Similar to my veggie burgers, these lentil patties achieve their best results when baked in the oven, providing a more efficient and less complicated approach than frying them in a pan. They come out beautifully golden and firm enough to hold their shape in a bun.
Lentil Patty Serving Suggestions
These patties are best served with bold-flavored toppings, such as a herbed avocado sauce and pickles. Alternatively, you can serve these patties without bread, perhaps on a green salad or over cooked brown rice, farro, or quinoa with some of the topping ideas listed below. Freeze any leftover patties for a quick protein and fiber boost in future meals.
– Buns or bread of choice, including hamburger buns, English muffins, or even flatbread. Lightly toast them for added texture.
– Sauce options: guacamole (as shown), avocado pesto, avocado dip, green goddess tahini dip, ketchup, mayo, or mustard.
– Greens, such as crisp lettuce, arugula, or spinach.
– Add some crunch with dill pickles, quick-pickled red onions, or thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers.
– Sliced ripe tomato, but only when in season!
Lentil Tips
This recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of standard greenish-brown lentils. You can either prepare them yourself or opt for canned lentils or steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s. No matter the cooking method chosen, spread them across a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture before using. If you have any extra lentils, incorporate them into a green salad this week.
More Hearty Meatless Mains
Here are a few additional bean and lentil-based recipes to try:
Please share your thoughts on 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 meatless lentil patties are hearty, flavorful, and maintain their shape remarkably well. They come together effortlessly in the food processor. Bake them to a golden perfection, and freeze the leftovers for another time. The 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 your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Drain the lentils thoroughly in a colander, then measure 2 ½ cups and spread them out on a lint-free tea towel or paper towels to help dry them (if you have extra lentils, save them for another use).
3. To create the patties: Slice the halved onion into a few pieces before placing the onion and garlic cloves into the food processor. Pulse until the onions are roughly minced, but not over-processed.
4. In the food processor, add: towel-dried lentils, eggs, oats, a handful of herbs (if desired), chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Process until the mixture resembles chunky hummus (be cautious here). Gently stir in the grated carrot by hand.
5. For shaping the patties: Divide the lentil mixture into 8 equal portions, using about ½ cup each. Shape them into patties about an inch thick. (If your mixture is too wet to handle, stir in a couple of tablespoons of your preferred flour, or more as needed.)
6. Generously brush both sides of each patty with oil and arrange them on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space around each. Bake until the patties are deeply golden outside, approximately 35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. To assemble the patties: If desired, toast your buns. Place lettuce on the bottom bun, if using, followed by a veggie patty, then a generous layer of guacamole or sauce on top. Add crunchy condiments and tomato, and enjoy!
8. Leftover patties