Lentil and Veggie Burgers
Lentils are an underrated legume, especially when it comes to making veggie burgers. They're high in protein and fiber, and they have a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of other vegetables. In this recipe, we combine lentils with carrots, celery, onion, and bell pepper to create a hearty and flavorful burger that's sure to satisfy even the most carnivorous of eaters.
The idea for this recipe came to me one day when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover lentils. I had already made a pot of lentil soup, but I wanted to find a way to use the leftovers in a different dish. I started by mashing the lentils together with some sautéed vegetables, and then I added an egg to bind the mixture together. I formed the mixture into patties and cooked them in a skillet until they were browned and cooked through. The result was a delicious and satisfying veggie burger that was packed with protein and fiber.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup dried brown lentils
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 egg
Instructions
Rinse the lentils and pick over them to remove any stones or debris.
In a large bowl, combine the lentils, carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, parsley, cilantro, and egg.
Mash the mixture together until it is well combined.
Form the mixture into 8 patties.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings.
Why It Works
The combination of lentils and vegetables provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and flavor.
The egg helps to bind the mixture together and prevents the burgers from falling apart.
Cooking the burgers in a skillet gives them a nice browned exterior and a tender interior.