Description
These Gluten Free Lentil Burgers use a soak-and-blend method to create the perfect texture without mushiness. They are vegan, high-protein, and stay crispy whether baked or fried.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups dried red lentils (Do not use cooked/canned)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 large shallot or 1 small onion, diced small (about ⅓ cup)
⅓ cup grated carrots, squeezed dry (about 3 small carrots)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Neutral flavored cooking oil (optional, for pan frying)
Instructions
1. Place red lentils in a bowl and cover with water by 2 inches. Soak for EXACTLY 2 hours. (Do not cook them).
2. Drain lentils and rinse thoroughly. Shake off excess water.
3. Grate the carrots, then squeeze them tightly in a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
4. Add drained lentils, garlic, shallot/onion, dried carrots, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
5. Pulse until combined and the mixture sticks together when squeezed. It should look like coarse rubble, not a smooth paste.
6. Scoop ¼ cup portions and shape into 12 patties (approx ½-inch thick).
7. OPTION 1 (BAKED): Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Place patties on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake 10 minutes, flip, and bake 10 more minutes.
8. OPTION 2 (FRIED): Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Notes
**The Soak Rule:** Do not shortcut the soaking time. Less than 2 hours makes them crunchy; longer than 2 hours makes them soggy. Do not use canned lentils.
**Dry Veggies:** Squeezing the water out of the carrots is crucial to keep the burgers firm.
**Make Ahead:** Uncooked patties can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to a bag. Cook from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop or Baked
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 0.5
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 0
