Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers Recipe
Delicious and easy-to-make lentil burgers featuring just six main ingredients, perfect for a quick vegetarian meal. These lentil patties are flavorful, protein-packed, and can be baked or pan-fried to crispy perfection in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 lentil burgers)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, small dice (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup grated carrots (about 3 small carrots)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Cooking
- Neutral flavored cooking oil (for pan frying, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 400ºF (205ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Soak the lentils: Place the dried red lentils in a bowl and cover with water by about 2 inches. Let soak for 2 hours, then rinse and drain them thoroughly to prepare for blending.
- Prepare the lentil mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked lentils, minced garlic, diced shallot or onion, grated carrots, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and holds together, making sure to scrape down the sides as needed for even blending.
- Shape the patties: Using a ¼ cup measure, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape each into a patty about ½ inch thick. This helps create uniform-sized burgers for even cooking.
- Cook the patties – Option 1, Baking: Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip them over carefully and bake for an additional 10 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden brown.
- Cook the patties – Option 2, Pan-Frying: Heat neutral flavored oil in a large nonstick skillet to cover about halfway up the sides of the patties. Cook the patties in batches for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crispy. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Enjoy the lentil burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, alongside a fresh salad, or with oven-roasted potatoes as a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Soaking the lentils softens them for easier blending and better texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on dietary needs.
- For added moisture, a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of water can be added to the mixture if it feels too dry.
- Baking is a healthier cooking method, while pan-frying yields a crispier exterior.
- These burgers are vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring bun and toppings are also vegan-friendly.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/easy-6-ingredient-lentil-burgers-recipe/
