| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 321 | 6g | 1g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 11g | 14g | 0.2g |
As someone who thrives in the kitchen, there’s just something about this Lentil and Mushroom Burger recipe that truly warms my heart. Fond memories are painted on a canvas of southern tradition, while also indulging in my love for coastal cuisines. Yet, this recipe is slightly different from my usual Southern-style dishes, as it’s brimming with hearty vegetables and pulses. These tend to be sidelined in Southern comfort food, yet they add a fantastic layer of complexity of flavors and texture. Plus, they pack a punch of nutrients too.
Navigating Untraditional Territories
Necessity is the mother of invention, and this rings true in my kitchen more often than not. A hankering for a burger, combined with the desire to eat something a tad bit healthier, led me to this glorious creation. Once bitten, it was love at first sight, or rather, first taste. This delightful burger is not just a flavor-packed gem, but it’s also a nod to all my veggie-loving friends out there.
The Health Benefits Galore
It’s hard not to fall in love with a recipe that’s exceptionally delightful, yet also extremely nourishing. Lentils are such a significant source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, and when partnered with mushrooms, they become a power duo. Mushrooms, the unsung hero of the vegetable world, are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants. Besides, this recipe is also served with whole grain buns, which are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and can help keep you feeling fuller for longer.
So, whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian, or someone who enjoys meatless meals from time to time, this Lentil and Mushroom Burger recipe is a treasure trove of goodness that deserves its place on your dinner table. Check out this resource to know more about the health benefits of including lentils in your diet.
A Match Made in the Food Heaven
This recipe blends seamlessly with a wide range of dishes. If you’re thinking along the lines of a cookout, these fiber-packed patties make a great pairing with some zesty macaroni salad or crisp coleslaw. Or, if you’re aiming for a lighter fare, feel free to serve these burgers with a side of vibrant cucumber salad to keep things refreshing and balanced.
Not all recipes make it to our favorite list, but this one just slips in seamlessly. The Lentil and Mushroom Burgers’ recipe is a delightful detour from traditional Southern cooking. In essence, it’s a recipe that explores new flavors while remaining firmly rooted in the comfort of homemade food.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 whole grain burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup, etc.
Method
Step One
Start by boiling the green lentils: take a large pot, add 1 cup of green lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are tender, this should take about 20-30 minutes.
Step Two
While waiting for the lentils to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
Step Three
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and sauté for another minute. Now, add the finely chopped mushrooms and red bell pepper to the skillet and continue to sauté for a further 5-7 minutes, until everything is well cooked.
Step Four
Once the lentils are cooked, strain any extra water and transfer them into a large bowl. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, mushrooms, and red bell peppers to the bowl with the lentils.
Step Five
Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of flour, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper into the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step Six
Using your hands, form the mixture into burger patties, you should be able to make around 6 burgers depending on your preferred size.
Step Seven
Cook the burger patties in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, cooking each side until they are well-browned and crisp, this should take about 3-5 minutes per side.
Step Eight
Serve the lentil and mushroom burgers on whole grain buns with your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup and enjoy.
