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4.99 from 69 votes

Classic Lentil Burgers

Made with wholesome ingredients, these veggie burgers have a classic flavor that pairs well with any toppings.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Course
Servings: 10 burgers
Calories: 245kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups cooked green lentils
  • 1 cup carrots finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup flour I used chickpea flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs whole grain or gluten-free
  • 2 eggs or 2 flax eggs
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 10 whole grain buns
  • olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  • Using a food processor, finely chop the onion, carrots, garlic, walnuts and sunflower seeds then transfer to a large bowl. I process each ingredient individually to achieve the best texture.
  • Next add half of the cooked lentils to the food processor and pulse until they appear slightly mashed, then transfer them to the bowl along with the remaining lentils. 
  • Once you have all of the vegetables, lentils, nuts and seeds in the bowl, add the breadcrumbs, herbs, and salt.
  • In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg with the tomato paste and the Worcestershire. Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with vegetables and lentils and stir everything together. Sprinkle in the flour a little at a time as you continue to stir. If the mixture seems too wet, add more flour as needed. If you have time, refrigerating the mixture for about 30 minutes also helps dry out some of the moisture.
  • Form eight individual patties with your hands, making sure to keep them somewhat flat with rounded edges. They will hold together better if they aren’t too big or thick. At this point you can refrigerate them until you are ready to cook (for up to 2-3 days) or cook them right away.
  • When you’re ready to cook them, start by warming the olive oil over medium-heat in a skillet for at least five minutes. Once the skillet is thoroughly heated, cook the burgers on each side for about 5-6 minutes. I like the push the edges of the burger to the side of the pan as I cook them to make sure they are cooked on the sides as well.  Serve on a warm bun with desired toppings and dig in!

Notes

Nutritional content will vary depending on the type of flour and breadcrumbs you use. The listed nutrition facts do not include the bun or toppings.
To cook 1 cup dry lentils: I recommend soaking them for at least 6 hours prior to cooking. This step helps aid digestion and will reduce bloating and gas. Drain and rinse the soaked lentils then add them to a pot with 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover half of the pot with a lid and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Transfer to a strainer to remove excess liquid and allow to cool before putting them in the food processor.
If you can't find whole grain or gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can make your own by ripping up bread and processing to a crumb in the food processor.
How To Freeze: You can freeze them prior to or after cooking. If you cook them first, be sure to let them cool completely to prevent excess moisture which will cause freezer burn. I usually place layers of parchment paper between the patties to keep them from sticking together, and then store them in an airtight container. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 398mg | Potassium: 505mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2260IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 4.5mg