Lentil-Barley Burgers with Fiery Fruit Salsa

By Beepers

Use leftover cooked pearl barley with lentils, veggies, and seasonings for a hearty main-dish burger sans the bun. Fruit salsa adds bright flavors. Serve with lime wedges for added zest.

From Cooking Light - 315 per serving

Ingredients

• Burgers:
• Salsa:$
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pineapple $
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mango $
• 1/4 cup finely chopped tomatillo
• 1/4 cup halved grape tomatoes $
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice $
• 1 serrano chile, minced
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried lentils
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup chopped onion $
• 1/4 cup grated carrot $
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder $
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3/4 cup cooked pearl barley
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper $
• 2 large egg whites $
• 1 large egg $
• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. To prepare salsa, combine first 6 ingredients; cover and refrigerate.
2. To prepare burgers, combine 1 1/2 cups water and lentils in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Drain. Place half of lentils in a large bowl. Place remaining lentils in a food processor; process until smooth. Add processed lentils to whole lentils in bowl.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and carrot; sauté 6 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add tomato paste, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add onion mixture to lentils. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, barley, and next 5 ingredients (through egg); stir well. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
4. Divide mixture into 8 portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 patties; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and 4 patties. Serve with salsa.