Description
Hearty “mushroom lentil burgers” blend earthy flavors with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying plant-based meal. Packed with protein and umami, these burgers offer you a delicious alternative to traditional meat patties.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried brown lentils (or 2 cups cooked lentils)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Binding and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or 1 egg for non-vegan option
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare dried lentils by thoroughly rinsing and simmering in water until tender and soft, approximately 20-25 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, creating a golden base, about 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release moisture and develop a rich golden-brown color, roughly 5-7 minutes. Enhance with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin for deep flavor complexity.
- Transfer cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, and flax egg (or regular egg) into a large mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the mixture maintains structural integrity and balanced seasoning.
- Gently shape the mixture into uniform patties, pressing firmly to create compact burger forms that will hold together during cooking.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place patties into the pan, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until a crisp, golden exterior develops.
- Present mushroom lentil burgers atop a toasted bun or scattered over fresh greens. Optional: Garnish with delicate, chopped parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Soak dried lentils overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a smoother texture in your burger patties.
- Finely chop mushrooms to create a meat-like consistency that helps bind the ingredients and enhances the burger’s umami flavor profile.
- Experiment with different breadcrumbs like gluten-free panko or almond meal to accommodate various dietary restrictions while maintaining a crispy exterior.
- Chill the patty mixture for 15-30 minutes before forming and cooking to help them hold together better and develop a more robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg