Lentil Burgers

I'm a huge fan of the hamburger. Just beef, nothing fancy. In a white crusty bread roll with all the usual suspects- lettuce, tomato, beetroot, onion, tomato sauce (sometimes I get fancy and go for BBQ sauce, bacon and cheese, maybe some pineapple but rarely do I get an egg!)

So obviously the first time I was offered a lentil burger I was like 'hell no' but I'm now converted. If it's done the right way I reckon a lentil burger can be something quite special! Don't knock it 'til you try it!

You will need....
For the patties
1 carrot
1 small brown onion
1 celery stick
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 bunch chopped coriander
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbs olive oil
1 cup cold mashed sweet potato
400gr can brown lentils, rinsed and drained well
1 large egg
1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use wholemeal if you wish, or fresh, doesn't really matter)
salt and pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
To assemble
4 hamburger buns (your choice!)
some tomato relish
yoghurt with some mint, coriander and lemon mixed through
cos lettuce leaves
ripe tomatoes sliced into thick rounds

Method...
1. Finely dice the onion and celery as fine as you can and grate the carrot. Crush the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a frypan and add, then sweat for 1 minute over a low-medium heat. Add the spices and seasoning and stir briefly. Remove from the heat and place into a clean bowl. Set aside to cool.
2. Add the sweet potato and the lentils and mix together, then add half a cup of the breadcrumbs and veggie/spice mix. Taste a bit of the mix to see if it's salty enough (adjust the seasoning if necessary), then add your egg and mix thoroughly.
3. Shape your mix into 4 evenly sized patties, then roll them into the remaining breadcrumbs. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to set. Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan and carefully place the lentil burgers in the oil. Cook on both sides until golden brown using a wide spatula to flip them, then place in the oven for 10 minutes to ensure they are warmed though (and extra crisp), meanwhile you can prepare your fillings- cut your bread rolls, wash and dry your lettuce.
5. Layer the lettuce and tomato then place the patty on top. Top with the relish then yoghurt. Serve.


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