These Lentil Burgers are easy to prepare, full of great burger taste, and budget-friendly too! To make them, cooked lentils are pulsed in a food processor with garlic and spices. Then, whole lentils, carrots, onions, and flour are mixed in to help the patties stay together. After baking for 30 minutes, they are hearty, completely vegan, and might even compete with a traditional burger, all without needing a grill. The author enjoys topping them with classic burger veggies like tomato, onion, lettuce, extra pickles, and plenty of sauce. Each lentil burger costs just $0.64, which includes the bun!
To ensure the lentil burgers hold together well, it is important not to overcook the lentils. Brown lentils are preferred because they keep their shape. They should be checked at around 20 minutes of cooking, when they should be tender but not mushy. Green or red lentils can also be used, but cooking times may differ, especially for red lentils, which break down easily.
For great flavor, the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper are blended with some of the lentils to evenly distribute the taste. Other flavor boosters like miso, soy sauce, ketchup, onion powder, chili powder, or cayenne can also be added, but lower the salt if using miso or soy sauce, and adjust the texture if extra wet ingredients are added.
The food processor is used to create a sticky base with part of the lentils. The rest are folded in whole for texture. It is important to scrape around the blade and sides to avoid large pieces of garlic. When shaping the mixture, it should hold together when formed into a ball. If it’s too sticky, add flour gradually. If it crumbles, add a bit of water or oil.
This recipe yields four generously sized patties. They should be compacted well so they don’t crack while shaping or flipping. Each patty should be about ½ inch thick for easier handling. Spraying the parchment paper and the tops of the burgers can help prevent sticking and promote browning.
At just $0.64 each, these lentil burgers are not only a budget-friendly vegan choice but also a low-cost dinner option overall. The dried lentils needed for this recipe cost only $1.14, making them much cheaper than the ground beef required for traditional hamburgers. This recipe offers a familiar meal that allows anyone to serve a completely vegan dinner without spending too much. The addition of carrots and onions enhances the flavor of the patties.
What are your favorite toppings for burgers?
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Source: Budget Bytes, by Budget Bytes