Hearty Whole Grain and Lentil Veggie Burgers

Packed with protein-rich grains and veggies, this healthy veggie burger is just as delicious as it is satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover lentils or other grains. (Photo source: Deryn Macey on Unsplash)

Adapted from Vegan Richa

| Yield: 5-6 burgers | Time: 45 minutes |

Ingredients

1½ cups cooked lentils, green or brown

1 cup cooked grains, such as quinoa or brown rice

vegetable oil as needed

1 cup chopped onion

4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped or grated carrots

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 tablespoons flax meal or chia seed meal

1 tablespoon or more ketchup

zest and juice of 1 lime

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce, optional

2 tablespoons
nutritional yeast

1/2 cup breadcrumbs, or coarsely ground oats

salt and pepper to taste

For serving

5-6 burger buns of choice

sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, ketchup/mustard, lettuce, or other desired toppings

Preparation

Cook the lentils and grains according to package, if not using leftovers.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent.

Add the celery, carrots, and cayenne to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 5 more minutes or until the veggies are tender.

Add the cooked veggies, flax meal, cooked lentils, and grains to a bowl and mix. Mash the mixture using potato masher or hands, so that at least half the lentils and grain get well mashed. (You still want some whole lentils).

Add in the ketchup, lime, soy sauce, sriracha, and nutritional yeast, and mix well.

Add breadcrumbs or coarsely ground oats and mix in. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (To check if the mixture is the right consistency, make a test patty. If the mixture is too sticky or pasty, add more breadcrumbs. If it is too crumbly and doesn't stick easily, add a little bit of water.

Chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes if the mixture is too moist.

Shape into 3-3 ½ inch wide patties and pack tightly. It should yield 5-6 patties.

Heat oil as needed in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan fry the patties with 4-6 minutes on each or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove burgers from the pan and serve over greens or on buns with desired toppings.

Zero-waste tips

• Use up any leftover lentils, quinoa, or brown rice to put into these burgers.

• Clean out the fridge for toppings! Old pickles, sauces, greens, or veggies can all go on the burgers.