Spiced Lentil Burgers
These delicious tasting Spiced Lentil Burgers are very hearty, healthy, and flavorful. The patties are made with protein rich brown lentils, almond flour, veggies, and some spices. The nutrient packed lentil burgers are gluten-free and vegan friendly.
Equipment
- Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown lentils
- 1 cup Almond flour
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 4 large Garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1/2 large Red bell pepper chopped
- 1 large Carrot grated
- 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1/2 tsp Lime juice
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 1 1/4 tsp Salt or as required
- 2 tbsp Oil divided
Instructions
Preparing The Lentils
- Triple wash the lentils and soak them in 3 cups of water for 5-8 hours. Discard all the water and wash the lentils with some fresh water.
Instant Pot Lentils
- Transfer the lentils to the inner pot of an instant pot. Add 1.5 cups of fresh water, and close the lid on your Instant pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing.
- Turn on the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK button (High Pressure) and set the timer to 10 minutes.
- Let the pressure naturally release (NRP) for 12-15 minutes.
- Once the pressure is released, transfer the lentils to the colander to remove the water. Let them come to a room temperature and moisture free.
Indian Pressure Cooker Lentils
- Follow the first 2 steps until washing the lentils after soaking.
- Transfer the lentils to the Indian pressure cooker and add water. Put a lid on and let it whistle 3 times and transfer them to the colander once the pressure is released.
Lentil Patties
- In a pan, heat 2 tsp oil, add chopped garlic and onions, and sauté them for 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Transfer the red bell peppers and sauté them for another 5 minutes. Set the veggies aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, transfer the cooked lentils, and mash them with the back of a serving spoon or a potato masher. You can mash them with your hands or in a food processor as well.
- Transfer the sautéed veggies, grated carrot, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and spices. Mix everything well with a spatula.
- Next, add some almond flour and keep binding the mixture together. Cover the bowl with a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Shaping The Patties
- Line a parchment paper to a baking pan, brush the paper with ½ tbsp oil, and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400℉/200℃
- Take out the mixture from the refrigerator. Grease your hands with a few drops of oil, take some mixture to form into a round shape, and then press it to form a patty shape. Set the patty on a baking tray.
- Repeat the process with the remaining mixture and make 11 patties out of it. Set all the patties on a baking tray without overcrowding them.
- Bake the patties for 15-17 minutes without disturbing them. Take out the pan from the oven and wait for 30-40 seconds before flipping them.
- Gently flip each patty using a spatula. Bake the patties for another 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Take them out of the oven and let them sit in the baking tray for 7-8 minutes.
Assemble The Burger
- Warm up some burger buns, spread your favorite burger sauce – I have mixed some mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and mustard on both sides of the bread. Add some lettuce or mixed greens followed by tomato slices.
- Melt some cheese on the burger patty, transfer the patty on the top of tomato slices, and add some sautéed onions. Drizzle some more mayonnaise mixture. Cover the burger with the other side of the bun and enjoy!
Notes
- When it comes to making spiced lentil burgers, always remember to get rid of the excess moisture. Extra moisture causes the patty to break very easily while cooking.
- Do not add too much water while cooking the lentils or they will turn very mushy and release more moisture.
- Drain the lentils very well and do not mash them while too hot.
- You can blend the lentils in a food processor but make sure they are well drained and have come to a room temperature.
- Preheat the oven for 8 minutes before transferring the baking tray for cooking the lentil burger patties.
- Let the patties cook for about 15-17 minutes without disturbing them. Take them out of the oven and let them sit in the pan for 30-40 seconds. After that carefully flip each patty or it might break when it is too hot.