Here’s a flavorful alternative lentil burger recipe that incorporates different ingredients for a unique twist.

Ingredients

• Lentils: 1 cup cooked red lentils
• Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• Vegetables:
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• Binders:
• 4 tablespoons milled flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
• Spices:
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil: Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Prepare the Lentils and Beans:

• Cook the red lentils in boiling water for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
• In a bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until mostly smooth but still chunky.

Sauté Vegetables:

• In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms, cooking until they are browned and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).

Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, mashed black beans, sautéed onions and mushrooms, flaxseed mixture, breadcrumbs, and spices. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Shape Patties:

• Form the mixture into patties (about 6 depending on size) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Chill:

• Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Cook the Burgers:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

• Enjoy your burgers on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings such as avocado, tahini sauce, or spicy mayo.

Notes

• This recipe combines both lentils and beans for added protein and texture.
• Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
• These burgers can be frozen after shaping for later use; just cook them from frozen when ready to eat.

How to Make Lentil Burgers Spicy

To add spice to your lentil burgers:

• Incorporate Jalapeños: Finely chop fresh jalapeños or other hot peppers and mix them into the burger mixture.
• Add Hot Sauce: Stir in your favorite hot sauce or sriracha into the lentil mixture before forming patties.
• Spicy Seasonings: Use cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the heat level.
• Spicy Mustard or Aioli: Serve the burgers with a spicy mustard or aioli as a condiment.

Creative Ways to Use Lentil Burgers in Meals

1. Lentil Burger Wraps: Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap the burgers along with fresh veggies and sauces for a low-carb meal.
2. Burger Bowls: Crumble cooked lentil burgers over grains like quinoa or rice, topped with roasted vegetables and dressing for a hearty bowl.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Use lentil burger mixture to fill halved bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender.
4. Pasta Sauce: Break up cooked lentil burgers and mix them into marinara sauce for a protein-rich pasta topping.

Can I Use Lentil Burgers in a Salad?

Yes! Lentil burgers can be crumbled or sliced and added to salads for extra protein and flavor. They pair well with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grain-based salads.

Good Dips for Lentil Burgers

1. Avocado Dip: Creamy avocado blended with lime juice and garlic makes a refreshing dip.
2. Hummus: A classic chickpea dip that adds creaminess and flavor to lentil burgers.
3. Tahini Sauce: A sesame-based sauce that complements the earthy flavors of lentils beautifully.
4. Spicy Yogurt Sauce: Mix yogurt with sriracha or hot sauce for a tangy kick that pairs well with the richness of lentil burgers.

This alternative recipe provides a delicious variation while maintaining the health benefits of lentil burgers!