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Vegan Lentil Burger

Name: Vegan Lentil Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 burgers
Ingredients: 1 cup Brown Lentil; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 4 cups Water; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds; 3 cloves Garlic, chopped; 1 Onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon Mixed Herbs; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika; 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs; Vegan Mayonnaise; Lettuce; Tomatoes; Baby Pickles; Fried Onions

Protein-rich, seasoned lentil patty is pan-fried and layered with mayo, lettuce, pickles.

Lunch

American

Sugar-Free

Nut-Free

Introduction

This vegan lentil burger recipe strikes an ideal balance between simplicity and flavor, requiring just a handful of common ingredients and about an hour of your time.

The patties come together through a straightforward process of cooking brown lentils until tender, then combining them with sautéed aromatics, herbs, and seasonings. What makes these burgers stand out is their robust flavor profile – a combination of smoked paprika, mixed herbs, and soy sauce creates depth, while garlic and cumin add warmth and complexity.

The preparation method ensures these burgers achieve the right texture – firm enough to hold their shape while cooking, yet tender when bitten into. A quick pulse in the food processor brings the ingredients together without turning them mushy, while breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and create a satisfying structure. Each patty develops a golden-brown crust when pan-fried, adding a pleasant contrast to the tender interior.

These burgers are highly adaptable and can be customized with various toppings. The recipe yields 4-7 patties depending on size, making it suitable for both family dinners and meal prep. They store well in both the refrigerator and freezer, allowing you to make a batch ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.

The recipe provides a classic burger assembly sequence, layering vegan mayonnaise, fresh lettuce, the warm lentil patty, sliced tomatoes, tangy baby pickles, and crispy fried onions. This combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying burger that proves plant-based meals can be both straightforward to prepare and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

1 cup Brown Lentil, aka Whole Masoor Dal
1/2 teaspoon Salt
4 cups Water
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
3 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Mixed Herbs
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1/4 cup Breadcrumbs

Toppings:

Instructions

Step A: Prepare Burger Patties

Cook Lentils: In a cooking pot over high heat, combine 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups water.
Simmer Lentils: Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 18-20 minutes until lentils are tender.
Drain Lentils: Strain the cooked lentils and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a sauté pan over medium heat, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 3 cloves chopped garlic, and 1 chopped onion. Stir-sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Process Mixture: Transfer the sautéed mixture and cooked lentils to a food processor. Add 1 tablespoon mixed herbs, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
Blend Ingredients: Gently pulse until well combined, being careful not to over-blend.
Add Binding: Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and fold in 1/4 cup breadcrumbs using a spatula.
Shape Patties: Form the mixture into burger patties. Recipe yields 4-7 patties depending on size.
Cook Patties: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a light coating of olive oil. Fry patties for 1-2 minutes on each side until brown.

Step B: Assemble Burger

Layer Ingredients: Build your burger in this order – spread vegan mayonnaise on the bun, add lettuce, place the cooked patty, top with sliced tomatoes, add baby pickles, and finish with fried onions.

Recipe Video

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Recipe Notes

Lentil Texture: Be sure to cook the lentils until they’re soft but not mushy. Overcooking them can result in a patty that’s too wet. If this happens, add a bit more breadcrumbs to firm it up.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re making this gluten-free, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Soy Sauce Substitute: If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos make a great soy-free alternative. They provide a similar umami flavor without the soy.
Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add more smoked paprika for extra smokiness or a dash of cayenne pepper for added heat.
Binding the Patties: The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape. If it’s too loose, add more breadcrumbs or a tablespoon of flour to help bind it together.
Storage: Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan or bake in the oven.
Toppings: These burgers are versatile—try adding your favorite toppings like sautéed mushrooms, avocado, vegan cheese, or a fresh tomato slice for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these lentil burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, form the patties and freeze them before frying for a convenient meal later.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?

Yes! To make them oil-free or reduce the fat content, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

While you can use canned lentils, I recommend using dried lentils for the best texture. If you do use canned, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess liquid.

Are these burgers suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These lentil burgers are perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a batch and store the patties in the fridge for several days or freeze them for longer storage.

How can I make these burgers spicier?

If you prefer a spicier burger, add some chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce to the patty mixture. You can also serve the burger with spicy condiments or jalapeños on top.

Can I use a different type of bean instead of lentils?

Yes! Kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas can be used as substitutes for lentils. Just make sure to mash them well to create the right texture for the patty.