Description
These hearty Lentil-Walnut Burgers are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with brown lentils, walnuts, and fresh herbs, they are richly spiced with Aleppo pepper and baharat for a flavorful kick. Served with a creamy, tangy Yogurt-Herb Sauce and fresh toppings like shredded carrot, red onion, and baby arugula, the burgers are perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner option. Quick to prepare and cook on the stovetop, they offer a satisfying meal with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentil-Walnut Burgers
- 3/4 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup (3 ounces) shelled walnuts
- 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
- 1 tablespoon baharat
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Yogurt-Herb Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 6 pitas or burger buns
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- baby arugula
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: Rinse and drain the brown lentils, then cook them in boiling water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare Burger Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, walnuts, breadcrumbs, scallions, parsley, garlic, tomato paste, Aleppo pepper, baharat, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky to maintain texture. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Add Egg and Oil: Stir in the egg and olive oil to bind the mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Yogurt-Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the pitas or burger buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of the yogurt-herb sauce on the bottom half, add the lentil burger, then top with shredded carrot, sliced red onion, and baby arugula. Cover with the top bun or pita half.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the patties are warm, accompanied by extra yogurt-herb sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg or mashed chickpeas and use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
- Walnuts can be toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- These burgers freeze well before cooking; freeze patties on a tray and then store in a sealed container.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the Aleppo pepper and baharat.
- Serve with a side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Keywords: lentil burgers, vegetarian burgers, walnut burgers, yogurt herb sauce, Mediterranean recipes, healthy burgers, meatless burgers