Summer Curried Lentil Burgers

Hannah Sunderani
Jul 26, 2016
3 min read

The summer heat is upon us and we are all in summer mode! Which means it's only fair to be relishing these hot days with the best summer foods: I'm talking cold chunks of sweet watermelon, the juiciest peaches, freshly brewed ice tea, berry sangria, and of course who can forget...BURGERS!

As Mitch and I move to a more plant-based diet, it's summer memories like these we don't want to miss out on. Because getting messy with some homemade burgers is a past-time memory we both reminisce about fondly. I'm sure you remember being asked to set the patio table in the backyard as dad finished up the last few patties on the BBQ, waiting anxiously to mow down on some juicy burgers with the fam. (And I'm sure you've been in many friendly fights about whose mom makes the best buger!). I must say, there is a big sense of "bringing people together" that comes with serving burgers. The combination of good weather, being outside, and coming together makes these dinners all the more special. And just because you've chosen a plant-based diet, and may not want to bite into a big beef burger anymore, doesn't mean you should miss out on one of summer's best activities. This is why I've created this plant-based burger: the Summer Curried Lentil Burger. So that you can enjoy those summer nights too; tucking into a delicious hearty burger packed with protein and flavour! This burger is SO yum! In fact, adding a few unique condiments like hummus and baba ghanoush takes it to the next level. Your friends will totally have burger envy when they see your best-dressed burger.

For the base of these burgers I've used mashed lentils, and gelled them together with flaxseed, and curried hummus. I must admit though that these burgers are a little more fragile than typical burgers because there is no egg. So be a little kind when handling these patties and cook them on a large cast iron skillet two at a time. The end result is worth it! And, if you pack them into freshly baked Wholesome Wholewheat Pita Bread than you'll be able to bite into these burgers with no worry about them falling apart. It's delicious and smart!

I hope you enjoy these curried lentil burgers as much as we did, and all the beautiful memories of soaking up the summer that will follow. :)

Summer Curried Lentil Burgers

Makes: 6 patties| Prep Time: 1h 15 mins | Cook Time: 15-20 mins

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Curried Hummus (see recipe below)
2 green onions
2 garlic cloves
15.5 ounces cooked lentils (approx. 1 cup)
3/4 cups cooked quinoa
1/4 cup grated carrots
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
coconut oil
salt and pepper

For the Curried Hummus:

2 tbsp You Need This HUMMUS
1/2 tsp curry powder

Serve with:

Wholesome Wholewheat Pita Bread
You Need This HUMMUS
baba ghanoush
sliced tomatoes
arugula
cilantro
salt and pepper

Directions:

Begin by making your curried hummus. In a bowl add your hummus and curry powder. Mix together and set aside.
Chop your green onion and garlic and add to food processor. Add lentils and a pinch of salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
In a large bowl add your lentil patty mixture, quinoa, carrot, ground flaxseed and chopped cilantro. Add curried hummus, crack with salt and pepper and mix well.
Using your hands form the burger mixture into 6 patties. Place on a smooth plate and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until chilled.
Season a large cast iron skillet with coconut oil and bring to medium heat. Add patties two at a time and push down lightly on each patty with the back of your spatula. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, or until browned. Add more coconut oil to skillet between batches if needed.
Serve burgers in Wholesome Wholewheat Pita Bread, and top with You Need This HUMMUS, baba ghanoush, sliced tomatoes, arugula, cilantro, salt and pepper.