I am a sucker for a good vegetarian burger. This Curried Lentil Burger is about as good as it gets as far as I’m concerned; vegan and versatile. This is my own recipe, and it is really easy and pretty quick to make; and super good for you too!
Ingredients:
Yields 6 6oz. burgers
– 3 ounces (1/4 block) firm tofu
– 1 c. red lentils
– 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
– 1/2 c. diced yellow onion
– 1/2 c. shredded or finely diced carrots
– 1 Tbsp. minced ginger
– 1 Tbsp. curry powder
– 1 tsp. cayenne
– 1/4 tsp. cumin
– 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
– 1/4 c. fine breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Place tofu into a blender or food processor with 3 Tbsp. water. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
2. Place lentils in a medium-sized saucepan with 2 1/2 c. water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft and all water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
3. While lentils are cooking sautee onions in oil in a large pan until translucent, about 5 minutes
4. Add carrots to onions and sautee another 3-5 minutes
5. Add ginger and spices, sautee for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In a large bowl combine seasoned vegetables, lentils, tofu, flour, and bread crumbs. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
7. Once cool enough for you to handle (you can place the bowl into the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up this process), form evenly into patties
8. Place patties on a foil lined, greased baking sheet, brush with oil of cooking spray and broil for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and just beginning to crisp
Serve on a bun with your favorite fixings, stuffed into a pita, with jasmine or coconut rice, or use it to top a salad. We had ours over a bed of spring greens, fresh herbs, and tomatoes, topped with radish sprouts and my “Creamy” Cilantro-Lime Dressing. YUM!!!
theindiehomemaker 