Lentil enthusiasts, these lentil patties are crafted just for you! These robust meat-free burgers are created with well-known and nutritious components, setting them apart from the many store-bought varieties available currently. My Favorite Veggie Burgers remain my top choice, but these lentil patties come in a close second.
Infused with grated carrots, fresh cilantro or parsley, onion and garlic, along with spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, these burgers are a flavor delight. Including two eggs is optional (leave them out for vegan patties), but they add extra moisture and create a lighter texture.
The recipe is seamlessly blended in a food processor. Similar to my veggie burgers, these lentil patties are best baked in the oven, offering a more straightforward and efficient method than frying them in a skillet. They emerge wonderfully golden and are firm enough to retain their structure when placed in a bun.
Lentil Burger Serving Ideas
These patties are best complemented with bold toppings, such as a herbed avocado sauce and pickles. They can also be served without bread, maybe on a green salad or over brown rice, farro, or quinoa with some of the topping ideas suggested below. Freeze any leftover patties for a quick protein and fiber boost in upcoming meals.
– Buns or bread of choice, like hamburger buns, English muffins, or even flatbread. Lightly toast them for added texture.
– Sauce options include guacamole (as displayed), 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 tomatoes, but only when they are in season!
Lentil Tips
This recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of standard greenish-brown lentils. You can prepare them yourself or opt for canned or steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s. No matter the cooking method, you’ll need to spread them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before using. If you have extra lentils, consider adding them to a green salad this week.
More Hearty Meat-Free Main Dishes
Here are some additional bean and lentil-based recipes to explore:
Please share your thoughts on how your lentil burgers turn out in the comments! I enjoy hearing from you and hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen.
Lentil Veggie Burgers
These meatless lentil patties are filling, flavorful, and hold their form well. They come together effortlessly in the food processor. Bake them to a golden perfection and freeze any extras for later. This recipe makes 8 veggie burgers.
Lentil Burgers
Suggestions for assembling burgers
– 8 buns of choice (hamburger buns, English muffins, or flatbread), toasted
– Sauces: Guacamole, Avocado Pesto, Avocado Dip, Green Goddess Tahini Dip, ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard
– Greens: Lettuce, arugula, or spinach
– Add 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 to simplify cleaning.
2. Thoroughly drain the lentils using a colander, then measure out 2 ½ cups and spread them on a lint-free tea towel or paper towels to help dry (if you have extra lentils, save them for another occasion).
3. To make the patties: Cut the halved onion into several pieces before adding the onion and garlic cloves to the food processor. Pulse until the onions are roughly chopped, but do not overprocess.
4. Add the following to the food processor: towel-dried lentils, eggs, oats, a handful of herbs (if desired), chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Process the mixture to achieve a chunky hummus-like consistency (be cautious here). Stir in the grated carrot by hand.
5. To form the patties: Divide the lentil mixture into 8 equal portions, about ½ cup each. Shape them into patties roughly 1-inch thick. (If your mixture is too wet to manage, mix in a couple of tablespoons of your preferred flour, or adjust as needed.)
6. Generously brush both sides of each patty with oil and arrange them on the lined baking sheet, ensuring some space around each one. Bake until the patties are deeply golden on the outside, approximately 35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. To assemble the burgers: Toast your buns if desired. Place lettuce on the lower bun, if using, followed by a veggie burger patty, then spread a generous layer of guacamole or sauce on top. Add crunchy toppings and tomato, and enjoy!
8. Leftover patties