Beet and Lentil Burgers Simply

Simplify the making of a beet burger by using beet powder. The rich red hue of the pattie mixture is not only pretty but quite resembles the freshest beef. When the craving for a burger comes on, we can forget about beef and turn to the beet, our pantry ingredients and stove top to whiz up a tasty burger. Using beet powder is a realistic way to achieve the beet burger, saving time and also saving beautiful, fresh beets for an occasion to truly appreciate their texture and earthy flavor.

2 cups water

1/2 cup lentils

1 clove garlic

1” piece of lemon rind

1 egg

40 grams ( 1/3 cup) bread crumbs

40 grams (about a 2” round) goat cheese

1 tsp dried thyme

salt and pepper, to taste

1 heaping tsp beet powder

1 TBSP butter

Rinse the lentils under cold running water for several minutes. Place them in a small pan place with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and gently simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, until tender. Drain and place in a food processor with a clove of garlic and piece of lemon rind. Whiz well. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, goat cheese (crumbled), thyme, and salt and pepper and whiz until well combined. Add the beet powder and give a final whiz. Place the mixture into a small bowl and chill for a few minutes to firm it up a bit. Make two or three well formed patties and season with salt and pepper. Pan fry in a tablespoon of butter 5 minutes a side. Add a slice of cheese at the end if desiring a cheeseburger.

Complete the burger with these ingredients from the SimplyCooking® Pantry : sliced avocado, pickled red onion, Dijon mustard, lettuce, grain bread