| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 354 | 11g | 2g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 15g | 18g | 1g |
Why I Love Egyptian Lentil Burgers
I love classic American comfort food just as much as the next person, but I believe there’s something uniquely satisfying about meals that fuse traditional comfort with health-conscious recipes. One particular favorite that springs to mind is the Egyptian recipe, Lentil Burgers. It’s a beautiful blend of wholesome lentils with aromatic spices, all assembled in a classic burger motif. This fusion of foreign flavor with homely comfort makes it a beloved choice in my kitchen – and, I hope, in yours too.
Midway Between Comfort and Consciousness
Creating classic American dishes that incorporate more health-conscious ingredients is, in part, inspired by the culinary habits of my sunny Californian upbringing. Think of this as your all-American burger, with a twist – instead of a standard beef patty, we’re packing in protein and fiber-rich lentils, among other nutritious ingredients. The result is a meal that fills you up without weighing you down. Not only is it mouth-wateringly yummy, the recipe also aligns with a more mindful way of consuming food.
Cultural Fusion in the Kitchen
Inspired by our travels and the diverse recipes of world-renowned chefs like Tia Mowry, this Egyptian lentil burger recipe is a testament to the beauty of culinary fusion. Firmly crafted from nutritionally dense lentils, these burgers are amplified by the distinguished flavors of cumin, coriander, and a little hit of cayenne. Just like us, this burger is a combination of different experiences, flavors, and cultures – and every bite is worth savoring.
Perfect Pairings
If you’re looking for complementary dishes to serve with these irresistible lentil burgers, think freshness and crispness to balance our hearty burger. A simple green salad, a tangy slaw or some roasted vegetables would make delightful side dishes. For a beverage, why not follow the theme and reach for a glass of California wine? A crisp chardonnay or a vibrant sauvignon blanc would be an excellent choice to cut through the rich, spiced flavors of our lentil burger.
Give your usual burger night a rest and transport your culinary senses to the heart of Egypt with my lentil burger recipe. It’s an adventure in flavors that is not only enjoyed by adults, but also by kids – so it quickly became a regular star on my family dinner table. I hope this Egyptian Lentil Burger recipe brings as much joy and appetite to your table as it does to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups dried lentils
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 burger buns
- Fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and condiments for serving
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the lentils and add them into a medium-sized pot along with 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and allow the lentils to simmer until they are tender. This should take about 25 – 30 minutes.
Step Two
While the lentils are cooking, take a medium skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant. This should take about 5 – 7 minutes.
Step Three
Drain the lentils properly once they are tender, then transfer them to a large bowl. Mash the lentils until they’re somewhat smooth, then add the cooked onion and garlic, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until it is evenly combined.
Step Four
Shape the mixture into 6 burger patties, then refrigerate these for at least 30 minutes to give them time to firm up.
Step Five
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add in the patties and cook them until they’re nicely browned. This should take about 5 minutes on each side.
Step Six
Finally, serve the lentil burgers on the buns, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and any condiments of your choice. Enjoy!
