Lentil-Walnut Burgers

By amaliana

Try these spicy vegetarian burgers served on hamburger buns or in whole wheat pita pockets, layered with sliced tomato and red onion and drizzled with tangy yogurt sauce.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 3/4 cup walnuts
• 1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg
• Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce for serving(optional)
• Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce
• 3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cilantro, and lemon juice;season with salt and pepper.

Burgers:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the lentils in a small saucepan, and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cover, and cook until the lentils are tender but still holding their shape, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and cool.
2. Meanwhile, spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven until fragrant and darkened, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; process until finely ground. Add the lentils and 1 tablespoon of the oil: pulse until coarsely chopped( some lentils should remain whole).
4. In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the lentil mixture; mix well. Divide into 4 equal-size parts; roll into balls, and flatten with the palm of your hand into 3/4-inch-thick patties.
5. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the burgers; cook over medium-low heat until crisp and browned, turning gently with a thin-edged spatula, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve with yogurt-cilantro sauce, if desired.