This Lentil Burger recipe will become your new vegetarian favorite. All the flavors of the Mediterranean in one amazing burger!

There's no such thing as a standard veggie burger. Plant-based burgers can take on so many different flavors. I've had masala burgers, Thai burgers, black bean burgers, faux meats and so many others.

This lentil burger has its own unique flavor and texture that's quite different from my go-to spicy black bean burger recipe. I love them both so it all comes down to what type of flavor I'm craving.

For Tex-Mex, I'd definitely go with the black bean burgers. Mediterranean? These lentil burgers for sure! Unlike some veggie burgers, these actually hold together really well and have a good texture. 

Ingredients for Lentil Burgers:

• Olive Oil or any cooking oil: You will need a small amount to sautee the onions, garlic, and carrots.
• Carrots: Adds vitamins and fiber. Feel free to use other vegetables too. Red bell peppers would make a nice addition!
• Onion and Fresh Garlic: Needed for their savory flavors.
• Green Lentils: Green lentils are the easiest to cook without getting to mushy. You can also use brown lentils. Lentils are the main source of protein in these burgers.
• Eggs: The eggs act as a binder and add extra protein. To make a vegan lentil burger, you can also use ground flax seeds mixed with water as a substitute. Mix 2 Tablespoons of ground flax seeds with ¼ cup water to substitute for 2 eggs.
• Tomato Paste and Hot Sauce: Adds flavor. You can use any type of hot sauce: harissa, sriracha, tabasco.
• Rolled Oats and Chickpea Flour: More protein! Helps to hold the burger together for texture and give it more bulk. If you are looking to a few more grams of protein, use high protein oats.

How to Make Lentil Burgers:

Start by cooking the lentils according to package instructions. Just keep an eye on them. You want them to be cooked but not mushy. While they cook, heat a little oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.

Add the onions and garlic and sautee for a few minutes before adding in the chopped carrots. Let mixture cook for a few minutes until the carrots soften. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

Once the lentils are done, drained and cooled, add 1 cup to a food processor bowl along with the eggs (or flax seed as shown in the picture), tomato paste, hot sauce and salt. Pulse the mixture until mostly mashed. It does not need to be completely smooth.  

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the remaining lentils, the sautéed vegetables, oats, and chickpea flour. Mix until everything is well combined.

Use your hands to shape the mixture into 8 patties. They'll feel a bit soft, but they'll firm up after a short rest in the fridge. Chill the patties for about 30 minutes before cooking.

When you're ready to cook, heat a tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Serve warm on a bun with your favorite toppings!

Ideas for Serving Lentil Burgers:

I love pairing them with feta cheese and drizzling it with a tahini or yogurt dressing. Better yet, kick up the spice level and top it with spicy harissa sauce.  For an added crunch, I like to serve it with a side of pita chips.

Sometimes, I don't even use it in burger bun. You can cook them in small bite sized balls and mix them into a healthy veggie salad with tahini or yogurt dressing.

Lentil Burgers are Great Make Ahead Meal

You can store uncooked patties in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 1 month. They can also be cooked and then frozen and reheated on a skillet on a later day. Freeze them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between any stacked burgers. 

I don't know about you but the next few months get crazy for me so I like to stock up on homemade food in my freezer. I make and freeze things like eggplant parmesan, vegetable lasagna, black beans, and even my homemade classic brownies. Hey, you always need a quick dessert too right?

Seriously though, back to the burgers, it's so nice to come home from my kid's after school activities and pull something out of the freezer for an easy dinner. Lentil burgers are quick to reheat and they are nutritious and tasty too.

These aren't that complicated and are made with wholesome ingredients. I promise you'll feel good about eating them. So what are you waiting for? Add it to your meal plan today and go for it!

I originally shared this Lentil Burger Recipe on Food Fanatic, so be sure to check it out there.