Vegan Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are not just a meal; they are a delightful experience! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these lentil burgers pack a protein punch while remaining kid-friendly and budget-conscious. With just six simple ingredients, this foolproof recipe also offers an oil-free option and is gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious plant-based food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just six pantry staples, these lentil burgers are easy to whip up on short notice.
- High-Protein Delight: Each burger is packed with protein, making them a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The mild taste appeals to all ages, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy them.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them in a bun with toppings, as part of a salad, or alongside roasted potatoes.
- Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, these burgers fit perfectly into your busy lifestyle.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers, you’ll need some essential tools that streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Nonstick skillet (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Speeds up mixing ingredients and ensures even texture in the burger mixture.
- Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking patties evenly in the oven.
- Nonstick skillet: Allows for easy frying without sticking, ensuring crispy edges on your lentil burgers.
Ingredients
Vegan Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are the ultimate high-protein, plant-based burgers. Kid-friendly using affordable ingredients. Foolproof recipe. Oil-free option and gluten-free.
For the Burgers
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large shallot (or 1 small onion, small dice (about 1/3 cup))
- 1/3 cup grated carrots (about 3 small)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Neutral flavored cooking oil (for pan frying (optional))
How to Make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Soak the Lentils
Soak the dried red lentils in water enough to cover them by about two inches for two hours. After soaking, rinse and drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
Place all prepared ingredients into your food processor:
1. Add drained lentils.
2. Include minced garlic, diced shallot, grated carrots, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pulse until well combined and the mixture holds together. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Scoop out approximately ¼ cup of the mixture at a time and shape it into patties about ½ inch thick.
Step 5: Bake Option
Bake your patties for:
1. 10 minutes on one side.
2. Flip and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy on both sides.
Step 6: Pan-Fry Option
If you prefer frying:
1. Heat enough oil in a large nonstick skillet to reach halfway up the sides of the patties.
2. Cook each patty for about four minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; work in batches if necessary.
3. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serve Your Burgers
Serve your lentil burgers with your favorite buns and toppings or alongside a fresh salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal!
How to Serve Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
These Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are not just delicious, but they also offer versatility when it comes to serving. You can pair them with various sides and toppings to create a meal that everyone will love.
With a Bun and Toppings
- Classic Lettuce and Tomato: Add fresh lettuce leaves and slices of tomato for a simple yet refreshing taste.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and flavor while boosting the healthy fats in your meal.
- Vegan Mayo or Hummus: Spread vegan mayo or hummus on the bun for an extra layer of creaminess.
On a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Serve the lentil burgers on a bed of mixed greens for a light, nutritious option.
- Quinoa Salad: Top with quinoa salad for added texture and protein.
- Cucumber and Feta Salad: Pair with a cucumber salad topped with vegan feta for a Mediterranean twist.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Oven-Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes make an excellent side that complements the burgers perfectly.
- Grilled Veggies: Serve alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a summer barbecue feel.
How to Perfect Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
To ensure your Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers turn out perfectly delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh produce like garlic and cilantro enhances the flavor of your burgers significantly.
- Soak Lentils Properly: Make sure to soak your lentils long enough to achieve the right texture; this helps them blend smoothly in the food processor.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak salt and pepper levels according to your preference, ensuring each bite is seasoned perfectly.
- Experiment with Spices: Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile that can elevate your burgers even more.
- Monitor Cooking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on your patties while cooking to avoid overcooking. They should be golden brown and crispy!
- Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the burgers to cool for a few minutes after cooking helps them hold their shape better when you serve them.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Pairing side dishes with your Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement these tasty burgers beautifully!
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a wholesome crunch that pairs well with lentil flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the burgers.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer side that adds sweetness.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings comfort food vibes, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick vegetable stir-fry provides vibrant colors and nutrients alongside your hearty burger.
- Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with veggies makes a great side that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers can be simple, but common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using unsoaked lentils: Dried lentils need soaking for a couple of hours. Skipping this step can lead to burgers that don’t hold together well.
- Overprocessing the mixture: Pulsing too long in the food processor can turn your ingredients into a paste. Aim for a chunky texture that binds but isn’t mushy.
- Not seasoning enough: Underseasoning can make your burgers bland. Taste the mixture before shaping and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Ignoring thickness: Making patties that are too thick can result in uneven cooking. Aim for ½ inch thick patties for even baking or frying.
- Crowding the pan: If pan-frying, overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Fry in batches to achieve a perfect golden crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked lentil burgers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
- Place uncooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid before transferring to a freezer bag.
- They will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and heat burgers for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking at intervals so they don’t dry out.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers:
Can I make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure any additional ingredients or buns are also gluten-free.
What kind of lentils should I use?
Red lentils work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and have a soft texture, which binds well.
How do I customize my Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers?
Feel free to add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor or mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
Can I bake these lentil burgers instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a great oil-free option. Just follow the baking instructions provided in the recipe.
How do I serve Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers?
They are delicious served on buns with your favorite toppings or alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
These Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers offer not only convenience but also versatility. You can easily customize them with various seasonings and toppings based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a family barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in, these burgers are sure to please everyone. Try them today!
Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Discover the joy of plant-based eating with our Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers. These delicious and nutritious burgers are not only high in protein but also kid-friendly and budget-conscious, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just six simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Enjoy them on a bun or as part of a salad; the options are endless! Plus, this recipe offers an oil-free option and is naturally gluten-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these tasty lentil patties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 burgers
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large shallot (or small onion, diced)
- 1/3 cup grated carrots
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Soak lentils in water for two hours, then rinse and drain.
- In a food processor, combine soaked lentils, garlic, shallot, carrots, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until mixed but not pureed.
- Shape mixture into patties about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for 10 minutes on one side; flip and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (90g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
