Veggie Burger

Bring 3 cups of water and 3/4 cup of red lentils to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the lentils just begin to soften and break down. Drain them in a fine‑mesh strainer and rinse with cold water. Press out as much excess water as possible—this helps prevent the lentils from becoming mushy when forming the veggie burgers.

Finely dice half of the red onion, reserving the other half for onion rings when serving. Finely dice the mushrooms as well. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and mushrooms and sauté until the vegetables have softened. Set aside and allow them to cool until easy to handle.

Chop one hamburger bun into 1/2‑inch pieces and set aside. These will act as the breadcrumbs for the veggie burgers.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained lentils, the mushroom‑and‑onion mixture, the diced hamburger‑bun breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined.

Add 1/3 cup of all‑purpose flour and mix again until fully combined. Form the mixture into patties—mine were about 1/3 pound each, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on preference.

Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with non‑stick cooking spray. Cook the veggie burgers for 8–10 minutes per side, or until they are golden and firm enough to flip easily.

Toast the remaining buns by placing them cut‑side down on a griddle until golden. Spread the bottom bun with plant‑based mayonnaise or your preferred condiments. Add the veggie patty, followed by tomato slices, red onion, and lettuce. Finish with the top bun and serve.

Enjoy!

Love vegetarian options? Here are a few of our favorites:

• Veggie Burger
• Fresh Marinara Sauce
• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
• Mediterranean Rainbow Salad
• Easy Tofu Vegetable Bowl with Jasmine Rice
• Savory Vegetable Cobbler
• 20-minute Easy Vegetable Lo Mein
• Cowboy Caviar (bean salad)