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Lentil burgers can be made with vegetarian or non-vegetarian recipes and can be flavored with spices or stuffed with cheese. The lentils need to be softened first and can be combined with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, nuts, peppers, olives, or other grains. The mixture is then formed into patties and can be fried, grilled, or baked.
Lentil burgers are cooked lentil patties that are finally fried or cooked to give the look and texture of a beef burger. While there are vegetarian lentil burger recipes, there are just as many recipes that aren’t specifically vegetarian and instead are designed for people who enjoy the low glycemic index of lentils, the taste, and the nutrients they provide. There are two main ways patties are formed, the first relying solely on the moisture from the ground lentils to stick together. The second method uses egg or another binder to hold the lentils in a patty shape. Just like a beef burger, lentil burgers can be flavored with fried onions and spices like cumin or stuffed with cheese.
The lentils used to make lentil burgers need to be softened first. They can be soaked for a few hours in water or broth, sometimes with onions or other flavorings in the water. Similarly, lentils can be softened in boiling water with some spices or ingredients like bacon which can enhance the flavor of the lentils when formed into lentil burgers. Canned or prepared lentils can also be used, although special attention should be paid to the type of liquid they are packaged in and any additional ingredients the manufacturers may have added, including salt.
There are a few common ingredients that are added to lentil burgers to ensure they form into patties and hold their shape and texture as they cook. Breadcrumbs are often used because they absorb moisture, keep the inside of the patty warm, and help bind the individual lentils together. Sometimes whole eggs or egg yolks are added to the mixture to thicken the texture and create a strong adhesion between the lentils, allowing them to withstand less delicate handling. Other added ingredients can include onions, nuts, peppers, olives, or even other grains — like quinoa — which can add even more protein to the burger.
Once all the ingredients are blended into the lentils, everything is placed in a food processor or blender and pulsed until roughly combined. The consistency of the final batter shouldn’t be smooth or too runny, and the whole lentils should still be visible. The thick batter can then be made into patties that can be fried, grilled, or baked. In some cases, lentil burgers are refrigerated or partially frozen, so a crust will form on the outside that will hold their shape as they cook.
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