The Ultimate Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers Recipe
Ever craved a delicious burger but wanted to keep it on the healthier side? These Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are here to save the day! Packed with flavors and crammed with nutritious lentils, they’re not just easy to whip up but also a perfect alternative for anyone wanting to ditch processed patties. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the aroma of roasted garlic mingling with fresh cilantro as they bake up in your kitchen!
Why Make This Recipe?
First off, who doesn’t love a quick and simple meal that requires minimal cleanup? With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find these lentil burgers to be not only affordable but also family-friendly. You can have your kids help shape the patties—bonus points for involving them in dinner prep! Plus, you can whip them up on a busy weeknight without breaking a sweat. 😌
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large shallot (or 1 small onion, small dice, about 1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup grated carrots (about 3 small)
- 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)
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Just follow these simple steps:
Preheat the oven: Set it to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup easier.
Soak the lentils: Cover them in water by about 2 inches and let them soak for two hours. Afterward, rinse and drain thoroughly.
Blend the goodness: In a food processor, add the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrots, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until everything combines nicely, scraping down the sides as needed.
Shape the patties: Grab about ¼ cup of the mixture and shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
Cook your burgers:
- Option 1 – Bake: Place patties on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes or until they’re crispy on both sides.
- Option 2 – Pan-Fry: Heat enough oil in a large nonstick skillet to reach halfway up the patties. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. (Cooking in batches is a good idea to avoid overcrowding).
Serve: Enjoy with a bun and desired toppings, a side salad, or oven-roasted potatoes. Yum!
How to Make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers (Overview)
Making these lentil burgers is as easy as pie—except, you know, they’re way healthier. First, soak your lentils to get them soft and forgiving. Then, everything goes into the food processor for a little chop-chop action. Pro tip: Don’t skip draining the lentils well — you want a solid mixture, not soup! Lastly, patty up and choose your cooking method. Easy peasy, right? 🙌
How to Serve Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
These vibrant lentil burgers are a feast for your eyes too! Picture them nestled in a fresh bun, topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and perhaps a dollop of your favorite sauce. The smell wafting through your kitchen? Heavenly! Pair them with roasted veggies or a side of crunchy, colorful salad, and you have a centerpiece that looks and tastes amazing.
How to Store Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Got leftovers? No worries! These lentil burgers will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4–5 days. Want to batch cook? Freeze them! They’ll last for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just reheat them in the oven or skillet when you’re ready to enjoy again. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
- Watch the cooking time! If baking, don’t wander too far; those burgers can go from golden to scorched in a flash.
- Add some heat! A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a lovely kick if you like it spicy.
- Texture options: Want more crunch? Consider adding chopped nuts or seeds for a delightful surprise.
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to swap out cilantro for parsley if you’re not a fan — no hard feelings!
Variation
Want to change things up? You can mix in spices like cumin or paprika for a twist on flavor. Going vegan? These burgers are already plant-based, but swapping out the cooking oil for vegetable broth can make them even lighter. Add-ins like corn or bell peppers can also bring some fun new textures!
FAQs
1. Can I make these lentil burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the patties, then refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.
2. Can I use green or brown lentils instead?
It’s best to stick with red lentils in this recipe, as they cook quicker and blend seamlessly. Other types may require adjustments.
3. How do I reheat these burgers?
Reheat in an oven or skillet until heated through. A few minutes in an air fryer can keep them crispy too!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dried red lentils Soaked for at least 2 hours
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large shallot (or 1 small onion, small dice, about 1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup grated carrots (about 3 small)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro Can substitute with parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Neutral flavored cooking oil (for pan frying, optional) Use as needed
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Soak the lentils in water for about 2 hours, covering them by about 2 inches. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
- In a food processor, combine the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrots, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Shape about ¼ cup of the mixture into patties, approximately ½ inch thick.
Cooking
- Option 1: Bake the patties on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy on both sides.
- Option 2: Pan-fry in enough oil in a nonstick skillet to reach halfway up the patties. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Serving
- Serve the lentil burgers with a bun and desired toppings, a side salad, or oven-roasted potatoes.
Notes
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