Picnic Update | Lentil Burgers

For a cookout or picnic, the burger is a universal favorite. Here’s a version for non-meat eaters. The recipe makes 6 medium sized patties. They freeze well and it’s nice to have a few individually wrapped for a workday dinner too. Cook on the stovetop or grill directly from the freezer. Serve with the usual condiments, or, fresh items from the SimplyCooking® Pantry such as lettuce leaf, sliced avocado or pea tendrils.

lentil  burgers

1  cup lentils

2  cups  water

1 clove garlic

1" square lemon rind

2 eggs

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup goat cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese

handful of parsley, minced {optional}

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp salt, Celtic Sea Salt, preferable

2/3 cup bread crumbs

1 - 2 Tbsp organic butter

Place the lentils in a strainer and run cold water on them for 5 minutes, washing them and rubbing them well with your hands the entire time. Put  the lentils and 2 cups water in a medium pan, bring to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce the heat slightly and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes.  The lentils should be tender.  Drain excess water and cool a minute before putting the lentils in the bowl of a food processor.  Add the garlic and lemon rind and process until fairly, but not completely, smooth.

In a large bowl lightly beat the eggs.  Add the Parmesan cheese, goat or cream cheese, minced parsley, thyme and salt.  Combine then add lentils and bread crumbs.  Mix well and form into patties, OR, mix, cover and keep refrigerated up to one day.  Form into patties just before cooking.

Stove top:  Melt butter over medium heat and cook patties 2   - 3  minutes per side.

Grill:  2 - 3 minutes per side.