Lentil Burgers

 Ingredients:

1 cup dry lentils, well rinsed

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 medium carrot diced

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp soy sauce (optional)

3/4 cup rolled oats, finely ground

3/4 cup bread crumbs or plain wheat germ

(I remember adding some curry - maybe about 1 tsp.  You can play with spices to spruce it up a bit.  Some people put golden raisins in their lentil burgers for a sweet and savory taste.)

(maybe there is a way you can make these with quinoa)

 

1. Place the lentils, water, and salt in saucepan, bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until water is nearly gone and lentils are very soft, with splitting skins.

 

2. Saute the onion and carrot in oil until soft, about 5 minutes.

 

3. Mix the lentils, onions,carrots, pepper, and optional soy sauce in a large bowl, then mix ground oats and bread crumbs.

 

4. While still warm, form the lentil mixture into patties, which can be frozen, refrigerated (for up to 5 days), or cooked immediately.

 

Cooking possibilities:

1. In frying pan, heat a bit of oil, place a burger on top, and fry until brown, 1-2 minutes. Repeat on other side and serve.

2. In a 400 degree oven, bake the burgers on a greased baking sheet until light brown, about 15 minutes.