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a lentil burger topped with bbq sauce and red onion

Veggie Lentil burgers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 burgers
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

With 11 grams of plant-based protein per patty, these veggie lentil burgers are the perfect hearty option for lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dry lentils
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 portabello mushroom
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1/2 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp tamari


Instructions

  1. Cook the lentils in water or vegetable broth according to package directions. Add a bay leaf while cooking for extra flavour, and discard it once done. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  2. Roughly chop the mushroom, carrot, onion, and garlic. Add to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the food processor with the cooked lentils, oats, smoked paprika, oregano, pepper, salt, and tamari. Pulse a few times until combined—don’t overblend, leave some texture.
  5. Form the mixture into 6–8 patties with your hands. If the mixture feels too wet to hold together, add 1/4 cup more oats and mix again.
  6. Cook the patties:

    • Oven: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes per side until golden and firm.

    • Skillet: Pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, 3–4 minutes per side until crisp.

    • Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates and grill the patties for 3–4 minutes per side on medium heat. Place a sheet of foil under them if needed to prevent sticking.


Notes

  • Let the lentils cool slightly before mixing to avoid a sticky or gummy texture.
  • Oats help bind the patties and add texture—breadcrumbs work too if preferred.
  • Lightly oil your hands to easily shape the patties without sticking.
  • Use foil or a grill-safe pan when grilling to prevent the burgers from falling apart.
  • Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.