One of the most frustrating vegan meals to learn to make is a veggie burger that stays together. Over the years, I epically failed time and time again to make a veggie burger without oil I could not only cook but also pick up and eat without it crumbling. My lentil burger does all that and more.
Since that time, I've learned the secret, as well as a variety of veggie burger recipes I love and make often. In fact, if lentils and walnuts aren't your things, here are some burger recipes you may enjoy:
HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT LENTIL BURGER THAT STAYS TOGETHER
If you are wondering the mystery behind a plant-based burger that says together, it's the combination of ingredients. Not only do you need the right balance of wet and dry ingredients, but you also need a binder, that keeps it all together through the cooking process.
For that reason, my lentil burger 'meat' is created in a food processor as well as adding ingredients once it's processed. As a result, lentil-walnut meat is the perfect consistency to cook.
WHAT INGREDIENTS GO IN THE FOOD PROCESSOR?
- Mushrooms
- Walnuts
- Cooked Lentils
- Herb de Provence
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE ADDED TO THE LENTIL BURGER MEAT?
- Additional lentils
- More walnuts
- Bread Crumbs
- Flax Egg
Once the lentil burger meat is combined, it is the perfect consistency for forming the burger patties. Similar to all my burger recipes, I use a burger press, but you can use your hands if you prefer. Sometimes, I like to make small slider-sized lentil burgers instead. But, today, I'm making full-sized burgers for dinner.
When the burgers are formed, I place them on wax paper, cover, and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes to flash freeze them. As a result, the burgers are less sticky and don't need any oil or spray for baking or air-frying.
Today, I decided to air-fry the burgers to get a crispy outside and soft inside. Recently, I tried air-frying my burgers and loved the results. But don't worry, I supply baking instructions as well.
HOW TO AIR-FRY LENTIL BURGERS FOR THE PERFECT BURGER RECIPE
Because my burger press makes fairly large burgers, I cook two burgers at a time. Baking the burger, however, takes longer than the air-fryer, but you can make more burgers at a time. So, decide which method works best for you.
- Air-fry at 400 degrees for 15 minutes (flipping halfway through)
- Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes (flipping halfway through)
Since I love Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions and Tomato Jam, I added both to my lentil burger. Also, I love micro-greens, so I just couldn't resist adding some to the top. Then, I served the lentil burgers with Greek Potato Salad and a pickle spear.
The next time you are looking for an easy veggie burger that stays together and tastes great, try a lentil burger. You'll love every last bite!
Lentil Burgers
If you are looking for a great veggie burger that stays together and doesn't crumble every time you take a bite, try a lentil burger. Oil-free and full of whole foods ingredients, lentil burgers are one of a kind.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mushrooms of choice, chopped finely (divided in half)
- 2 cups cooked brown lentils (I used Trader Joes Steamed brown lentils) divided in half
- 1 cup walnuts, divided in half (chop the half finely)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (I made my own with Dave's Bread or store-bought)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2 1/2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- Make flaxseed egg by stirring the flaxseed meal and the water in a small bowl and set aside
- In a food processor combine 4 ounces of the mushrooms, 1 cup of the cooked lentils, 1/2 cup of the walnuts (broken), and the seasonings.
- Pulse until smooth and combined.
- Now, transfer the mixture into a large bowl.
- Then, add the flax egg, bread crumbs, remaining 1 cup of lentils, and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
- Stir together to combine.
- Using a burger press or your hands, form similar-sized burger patties
- Place formed patties on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or wax paper.
- Cover the pan, and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- If you plan to make the lentil burgers at a later time, place them in the refrigerator and then transfer them to the freezer 15 minutes before you plan to cook them.
AIR-FRYER DIRECTIONS
- Place two flash-frozen burger patties in the base of the air-fryer
- Pre-heat to 400 degrees and cook for 15 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking.
- Serve on a bun or without a bun with your favorite condiments
BAKING INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Place burger patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Serve on a bun or without a bun with your favorite condiments
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Anna and Sarah Organic Raw Walnuts, 2 Lbs -
Dave’s Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Bread - 27 oz Loaf -
Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed, 24 Ounce (Pack of 1) -
Simply Organic Herbes de Provence, Certified Organic | 1 oz -
KitchenAid KFP1133CU 11-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice System - Contour Silver
Nutrition Information
Yield
6 servingsServing Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 207Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 310mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 6g
Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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