Veggie Lentil Burgers
These easy Veggie Lentil Burgers are a flavorful, protein-rich alternative to traditional burgers. Made with lentils, mushrooms, and oats, they’re hearty yet wholesome, perfect for vegans and meat-eaters alike. Great for meal prep, grilling, or quick weeknight dinners, each patty delivers a balance of taste and nutrition in every bite.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan – for cooking lentils
- 1 Food Processor – to blend lentils and vegetables
- 1 Large Skillet – for sautéing and pan-frying
- 1 Baking Sheet – if baking the patties
- 1 Mixing Bowl – for combining ingredients
- 1 Spatula – for flipping patties
- 1 Measuring Cup and Spoon Set – for accurate measurements
Ingredients
- ¾ cup dry lentils
- 1 bay leaf optional, for flavor
- 1 portobello mushroom roughly chopped
- 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
- ½ onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or any vegetable oil
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils to Tender Perfection: Begin by rinsing the lentils under cool running water to remove any dust or debris. Place them in a medium saucepan and add enough water or vegetable broth to cover them by about two inches. For a subtle herbal flavor, add a bay leaf while cooking. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are soft but not mushy. Once done, drain any excess liquid, discard the bay leaf, and set the lentils aside to cool slightly. Allowing them to cool helps prevent the burger mixture from becoming sticky or overly soft later.
- Prepare and Chop the Vegetables: While the lentils are cooling, roughly chop the portobello mushroom, carrot, onion, and garlic into chunks that can easily fit into your food processor. These fresh vegetables will add depth, texture, and moisture to your burgers, giving them that perfect balance between hearty and tender.
- Pulse the Vegetables for Even Texture: Transfer the chopped vegetables into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse several times in short bursts until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. The goal is to achieve a texture similar to small rice-sized bits rather than a smooth paste. This ensures that your burger patties hold together well while maintaining a satisfying, meaty bite once cooked. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to make sure everything is evenly chopped.
- Sauté the Vegetable Mixture for Rich Flavor: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm and shimmering, add the chopped vegetable mixture. Sauté for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender, slightly caramelized, and wonderfully fragrant. This step is crucial—it helps remove excess moisture and deepens the flavor, giving your burgers a more robust and satisfying taste. When done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before combining with the lentils.
- Combine the Burger Mixture in the Food Processor: Return the cooked lentils to the food processor along with the sautéed vegetables. Add the oats, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground black pepper, salt, and tamari. Pulse several times until all the ingredients come together into a cohesive mixture. Avoid over-processing—you should still see small bits of lentil and vegetables throughout. This slight chunkiness gives the burgers great texture and prevents them from becoming too dense or mushy.
- Adjust Consistency and Form the Patties: Check the consistency of your mixture. It should hold together easily when pressed in your hands but not feel too wet or sticky. If the mixture seems loose or soft, add up to ¼ cup more oats and pulse briefly to combine. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thick, round patty about ¾ inch thick. Place the shaped patties on a parchment-lined tray or plate as you work.
- Choose Your Cooking Method (Oven, Skillet, or Grill): You can cook these lentil burgers in one of three ways depending on your preference and available equipment: Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Arrange the patties on the sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10–12 minutes on one side, then gently flip and bake another 10–12 minutes on the other side. The burgers are ready when they are golden brown, firm to the touch, and lightly crisped on the edges. Skillet Method: Heat a light coating of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties into the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until a crisp, golden crust forms and the inside is heated through. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning. Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. For extra security, you can place a sheet of foil or a grill-safe pan beneath the patties. Grill each side for 3–4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the burgers are firm and smoky in flavor.
- Rest the Burgers for Best Texture: Once cooked, transfer the burgers to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This short resting period helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and more enjoyable to bite into. It also allows the flavors to settle and deepen.
- Assemble and Serve Your Burgers: Serve your freshly made veggie lentil burgers on toasted whole-grain buns, lettuce wraps, or between slices of your favorite bread. Add toppings like avocado slices, vegan mayo, caramelized onions, or crisp lettuce for extra texture and flavor. You can also enjoy them plain alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or sweet potato fries for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
- Clean Up and Store Leftovers: After enjoying your meal, store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, skillet, or microwave until hot throughout before serving again.
Notes
- Allow the lentils to cool slightly before blending—mixing them while hot can create a sticky or gummy texture.
- Oats act as a natural binder and give structure to the patties. If you prefer, substitute with breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
- For easy shaping, lightly coat your palms with oil before forming the patties to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Avoid over-pulsing the mixture in the food processor. Keeping some visible texture helps the burgers stay firm and flavorful.
- When grilling, place a piece of foil or a grill-safe pan underneath to prevent the patties from breaking apart or sticking to the grates.
- For an extra burst of flavor, brush the burgers with a little tamari or barbecue sauce before cooking.
- These patties freeze beautifully—perfect for meal prepping or quick weekday meals.
