Name: Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Neutral flavored cooking oil (for pan frying, optional)

why make this recipe

Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are a great choice for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy meal. They are simple to make, packed with protein, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, they use just six main ingredients, making them easy to whip up even on busy days. These burgers are also great for vegetarians and can please even those who eat meat.

how to make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

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)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Neutral flavored cooking oil (for pan frying (optional))

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Soak the lentils in enough water to cover by about 2 inches for two hours. After that, rinse and drain thoroughly.
Place the soaked lentils and other ingredients into a food processor. Add the garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and holds together. Scrape the sides as needed.
Shape the patties by scooping out about ¼ cup of the mixture at a time. Form them into patties that are around ½ inch thick.
Option 1 Bake: Place the patties on the lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip them and bake for another 10 minutes, or until both sides are crispy.

Option 2 Pan-Fry: Heat enough oil in a large nonstick skillet. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
For serving: Serve the lentil burgers with a bun and your favorite toppings, alongside a side salad, or with oven-roasted potatoes.

how to serve Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

You can serve these lentil burgers simply on a bun, topped with your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, or sauce. They also go well with a fresh side salad or crispy oven-roasted potatoes. Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste!

how to store Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

Store any leftover lentil burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the uncooked patties after shaping them for later use. Just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

tips to make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

For added flavor, try adding spices like cumin or paprika to the mixture.
Make sure the lentils are well-drained to avoid a watery mixture.
If the mixture is too wet, add a little breadcrumbs to help it hold together.
Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt or pepper.

variation

You can easily customize these lentil burgers. Try adding cooked quinoa or other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for different flavors and textures.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?
Yes, but you will need to rinse and drain them well. You might also need to adjust the consistency of the mixture since canned lentils can be softer.

2. Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier option! Just make sure they get nice and crispy by flipping halfway through.

3. How can I make these burgers gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free! Just ensure any toppings or buns you use are also gluten-free.