There are so many vegan alternative meals that I love to make, not only for the lighter impact on the planet, but also for how much better we feel when we substitute a few common ingredients. Besides, it's always fun to expand the menu possibilities for the palate and experiment in the kitchen!
My past experience with store bought vegan products has been hit and miss, but these homemade burger patties have never failed to satisfy... And that goes for the non-vegan man of the house's appetite as well. 😉 These meatless burgers have even become a regular request!
They're simple to make, as long as you have a food processor handy and a couple pans!
How To Make Versatile Lentil Burgers
These have practically become a weekly go-to meal in my home. Although I used black lentils in this example, I definitely recommend using green lentils, since I found they hold together much better.
With just a few steps, you're on your way to an amazingly delicious and nutritious meal!
First things first, the base of the patty, the lentils! Pre-cook them in a ratio of 1 part lentils to 3 parts water. Bring them to a boil, lower to a simmer and let them cook for 15 minutes while you prep the mushrooms! Remove from heat and drain once they're tender.
How to Clean Mushrooms
There's quite a bit of debate about mushrooms and water, but being over 90% water themselves, this hasn't proven to be an issue yet!
I just give them a quick dunk in a water bath to break off the loose dirt, promptly remove them onto a towel to wipe off the surface, and dry them off.
Then, remove and discard the stems and roughly chop them before adding to the food processor! This will ensure a more even texture.
How to Cook Mushroom Lentil Burger Patties
For starters, you want a larger skillet or frying pan. You can use the same pan for 3 steps! Warm the pan over medium high heat with one tablespoon of cooking oil, then add the mushrooms to cook them down and release their liquids.
Once the liquid starts to cook off, you can add the cumin and coconut aminos for the last couple minutes to meld them in. The mushrooms should look somewhat like ground meat with most of the liquid gone.
Next up are the onions and garlic, also roughly chopped, then sautéed until softened and lightly browned.
Put the drained lentils along with all the other ingredients back into the food processor and give it another whirl, using the pulse button or pulsing manually, until the mixture starts to combine and hold together.
It's done when it has a thick consistency and is quite sticky, so it's best to have a small bowl of warm salt water to help keep hands and messes manageable between patties.
Also, have the baking sheet ready to go before you handle the mixture. It makes for an easier process! Before freezing, make sure to pack them down and the press around the sides to condense and shape them nicely.
You should get 6 patties out of a batch, 5 if they're extra hearty. I usually cook 3 and save the other 3 to cook fresh for lunch or dinner the next day. They also make great wrap stuffers and salad toppers when broken up mixed with similar ingredients used for burgers!
It's best to cook them with a little patience, as patience always pays off in the end. Cook them on medium heat and be careful not to rush them on a higher temperature.
Here are some other amazing plant-based meat alternative recipes to try!
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Vegan Jackfruit BBQ Ribs
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How To Make Vegan Carrot Hotdogs
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Maurizio's Pesto Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
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Amazing Maple Glazed Vegan Ham
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Meal Prep: Tempeh Taco Bowls with Non-Dairy Sour Cream
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Let us know how you dress up your favorite burger, and please send us a pic on the links below, we love to see your creative ideas! Also feel free to share any of your favorite recipes to make and share it with the Assuaged community on our ➡️Share A Recipe⬅️ page!
