Red Lentil Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
• 2 large garlic cloves minced
• 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, small dice (about ⅓ cup)
• ⅓ cup grated carrots about 3 small
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Neutral flavored cooking oil for pan frying (optional)

Instructions

• Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Soak the lentils in enough water to cover by about 2 inches for two hours. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
• Place the ingredients into a canister: Add the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together, scraping the sides of the canister as needed.
• Shape the patties: Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time. Shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
• Option 1 Bake: Bake the patties for 10 minutes. Flip them over and bake for about 10 minutes more, or until crispy on both sides.
• Option 2 Pan-Fry: Heat enough oil in a large nonstick skillet to reach about halfway up the sides of the patties. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. (You may need to do this in batches so as not to overcrowd the skillet.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• For serving: Serve with a bun and desired toppings; a side salad; or oven roasted potatoes.

Notes

• To ensure that the red lentils cook fully, soak them for at least 2 hours before using. Pan-fry the patties in enough oil to reach halfway up the sides.