Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

Lentil burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers, packed with flavor and protein while being plant-based.

This easy recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal that is both satisfying and healthy.

Why Make This Recipe

These lentil burgers are not only easy to make with just six ingredients, but they are also customizable and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a weeknight dinner option, these burgers are sure to impress!

How To Make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

Ingredients

• 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)

3-Step Directions:

1. Prep Lentils & Mixture: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Soak lentils in water for 2 hours, covering by about 2 inches. Drain and rinse thoroughly, then place the lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
2. Shape Patties: Form the mixture into patties, using about ¼ cup per patty and flattening them to about ½ inch thick.
3. Cook & Serve:

• Option 1 – Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake another 10 minutes until crispy.
• Option 2 – Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet and cook patties for about 4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Serve your lentil patties on a bun with toppings or alongside a salad or roasted potatoes.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, 21g of protein, and 7g of fat.

How To Serve Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

These lentil burgers can be served on a bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado, or enjoyed on their own with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

How To Store Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

Store leftover lentil burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—simply wrap each patty individually and place them in a freezer bag.

Tips To Make Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

• Make sure to soak the lentils well; this helps them cook evenly and blend properly.
• Customize the spices and herbs according to your taste, using smoked paprika, cumin, or parsley for added flavor.
• To keep the patties from falling apart, ensure the mixture is well combined and holds together before shaping.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

These lentil burgers are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, providing a hearty meal without the added fat typically found in traditional beef patties. Lentils are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. Plus, they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making these burgers a nutritious choice for any meal!

Variation (If Any)

Feel free to add more vegetables such as diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley to mix up the taste!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
   Yes, but you should rinse and drain them thoroughly, and reduce the cooking time.

   
   

2. Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
   Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all added ingredients are gluten-free.

   
   

3. How long can I freeze these burgers?
   You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container.

   
   

4. Can I bake these burgers instead of frying?
   Yes! Baking is a healthier option, and they turn out crispy when baked as directed.

   
   

5. What toppings work best with lentil burgers?
   Popular toppings include avocado, hummus, salsa, and fresh veggies like lettuce and tomato.

   
   

6. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge or freeze them until you’re ready to cook.

   
   

7. What can I serve with lentil burgers?
   These burgers pair well with sweet potato fries, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

   
   

Lentil Burgers

These easy lentil burgers are a delicious, nutritious, and customizable plant-based alternative to beef burgers, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Burger Mixture

• 1.5 cups dried red lentils Soaked for 2 hours prior to use
• 2 large cloves garlic (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
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Cooking

• as needed Neutral flavored cooking oil (for pan frying, optional)

Method

 

Prep Lentils & Mixture

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Soak lentils in water for 2 hours, covering by about 2 inches. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
3. Place the lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper in a food processor.
4. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and holds together.

Shape Patties

1. Form the mixture into patties, using about ¼ cup per patty and flattening them to about ½ inch thick.

Cook & Serve

1. Option 1 - Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake another 10 minutes until crispy.
2. Option 2 - Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet and cook patties for about 4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
3. Serve your lentil patties on a bun with toppings or alongside a salad or roasted potatoes.

Notes

Store leftover lentil burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—simply wrap each patty individually and place them in a freezer bag. Customize the spices and herbs according to your taste. Make sure to soak the lentils well; this helps them cook evenly and blend properly.