Name: Easy Lentil Burgers Simple Delicious 6-Ingredient Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 burgers
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups dried red lentils; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 large shallot, finely diced; 1/3 cup grated carrots; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste; Neutral flavored cooking oil, for pan-frying (optional)

Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are about to become your new weeknight hero. Forget complicated steps and a pantry full of exotic spices; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. What’s not to love about a hearty, satisfying burger that’s secretly packed with wholesome goodness? People adore these burgers because they deliver that classic, comforting burger experience without the meat, making them a fantastic option for vegetarians, vegans (if you choose your binder wisely!), or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. The magic of these Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers lies in their simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor you can achieve with just a handful of core ingredients. They’re surprisingly adaptable, allowing you to customize them to your taste while still keeping the core recipe beautifully straightforward.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups dried red lentils
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 large shallot (or 1 small onion, finely diced, about 1/3 cup)
1/3 cup grated carrots (from about 3 small carrots)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
Neutral flavored cooking oil, for pan-frying (optional)

Preparing the Lentils

The first step to creating our delicious Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers is to get the red lentils ready. Red lentils cook very quickly and break down beautifully, creating a wonderful binder for our burgers. Start by rinsing the 1 ½ cups of dried red lentils thoroughly under cold running water. You can do this directly in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinsing is important to remove any dust or debris. Once rinsed, place the lentils in a medium saucepan and add 3 cups of fresh water. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the lentils simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to become very tender and soft, almost mushy. They should easily fall apart when pressed with a fork. Once cooked, drain any excess water from the lentils very well. It’s crucial to get rid of as much liquid as possible at this stage to ensure your burger mixture isn’t too wet. You can let them sit in the sieve for a few minutes to drain, or even gently press them with the back of a spoon to help release the liquid. Set the drained lentils aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Building the Burger Base

Now, let’s build the flavorful foundation for our lentil burgers. In a large bowl, add the slightly cooled, well-drained red lentils. To this, we’ll add our aromatic elements. Mince the 2 large garlic cloves very finely. If you find mincing garlic too much of a chore, a garlic press works wonders here. Finely dice your 1 large shallot. If you’re using a small onion instead, aim for a very small dice, about 1/3 cup in total. The shallot offers a milder, sweeter flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the lentils. Grate about 1/3 cup of carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor for this. The grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and moisture, as well as a lovely color to the burgers. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. The tomato paste not only adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor but also contributes to the binding properties of the mixture. Finally, add the ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note that really elevates the overall taste. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you could substitute it with fresh parsley, but the cilantro is highly recommended for that signature flavor.

Seasoning and Binding

With all our core ingredients combined in the large bowl, it’s time to season them properly and ensure our burgers hold their shape. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper to the lentil mixture. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper later to taste, so start with these amounts and adjust as needed. Now, using a fork or a potato masher, begin extract to mash the ingredients together. You don’t want to completely obliterate everything into a paste; a little texture is good. The goal is to break down most of the lentils, incorporating all the finely chopped shallot, garlic, carrots, cilantro, and tomato paste. Continue mashing and mixing until everything is well combined and you have a cohesive mixture. This mashing process is what helps to create the binder that will hold your burger patties together. If the mixture seems a little too dry and crum extractbly and isn’t holding its shape when you try to form a ball, you can add a tablespoon of water or a little more tomato paste at a time until it becomes more pliable. Conversely, if it feels too wet, you can let it sit for a few minutes to see if it firms up, or very carefully add a tablespoon orum extractreadcrumbs (though this would technically add another ingredient). The slight stickiness from the tomato paste and the mashed lentils should be enough to bind everything.

Forming and Cooking the Burgers

Now for the exciting part – shaping and cooking our Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers! Take the lentil mixture and divide it into about 4 to 6 equal portions, depending on how large you want your burgers. Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking, and then gently shape each portion into a patty. Aim for patties that are about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Make sure they are not too thin, as they might break during cooking, and not too thick, as they might not cook through evenly. You can gently press the sides to ensure they are neat. If you plan to pan-fry your burgers, heat a tablespoon or two of neutral-flavored cooking oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. A good rule of thumb is to use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the formed patties into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and have a nice crust. Flip them gently with a spatula, ensuring they hold their shape. If the outside is browning too quickly before the inside is heated through, reduce the heat slightly. If you’re not pan-frying, you can also bake these burgers on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are firm and lightly browned.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are cooked to golden perfection, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy your homemade creation! You can serve these versatile burgers in a variety of ways. They are fantastic on a classic burger bun with all your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your preferred condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or vegan mayonnaise. For a lighter option, serve them over a fresh green salad, where they act as a substantial and protein-rich addition. They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a side of coleslaw. The combination of the tender lentils, the savory aromatics, and the fresh cilantro creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that is both healthy and delicious. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning of the burgers themselves before serving, perhaps with an extra pinch of salt or pepper if desired. These burgers are best served warm, straight from the pan or oven, but they also reheat well, making them a great option for meal prep.

Conclusion:

You’ve now unlocked the secret to making delicious and incredibly simple Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers! This recipe proves that healthy and satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. We’ve walked through each step, highlighting how the wholesome ingredients come together to create a flavorful patty that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these burgers are designed to be foolproof and forgiving. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

Serving these Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers is a breeze. They are fantastic on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a dollop of your preferred sauce. For a lighter option, serve them over a fresh green salad or alongside roasted vegetables.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. You can also swap out the breadcrum extractbs for rolled oats for a gluten-free variation. Embrace creativity and make these burgers truly yours! I’m confident you’ll find them a delightful addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lentil burger mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply form the patties and proceed with the recipe. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

What kind of lentils are best for these burgers?

Brown or green lentils work wonderfully for these Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers as they hold their shape well after cooking. Red lentils can be used, but they tend to break down more, resulting in a softer patty.

How should I store leftover lentil burgers?

Leftover cooked Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated in a skillet, oven, or microwave.