Description
These Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are a healthy, vegan alternative to traditional burgers, packed with plant-based protein and delicious flavor. Quick, affordable, and easy to make, these lentil burgers are perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, small diced (about ⅓ cup)
- ⅓ cup grated carrots (about 3 small carrots)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Soak the lentils in enough water to cover them by about 2 inches for 2 hours. After soaking, rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Add the drained lentils, garlic, shallot (or onion), grated carrots, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and holds together, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time and shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Option 1 – Bake: Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip them over, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until crispy on both sides.
- Option 2 – Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet, enough to cover about halfway up the sides of the patties. Fry the patties for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. (You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the lentil patties on buns with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them with a side salad or oven-roasted potatoes.
Notes
- You can add additional spices, like cumin or smoked paprika, for extra flavor.
- If you want to make these oil-free, simply bake them instead of pan-frying.
- These burgers also work well as a meal prep option—store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 317 kcal
