Lentil-Walnut Burger

Man! I want to make these again! Blogging about food on an empty stomach just isn’t the best idea… (That’s Yogurt-Cilantro sauce on the burger, I’ll post that recipe too) I doubled the recipe and it worked great!

• 3/4 cup lentils rinsed
• 3/4 cup walnuts
• 1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (I didn’t use these as I don’t like them at all. I’m a spice wimp)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 4 TBS olive oil
• 1 large egg

1. Pre-heat oven to 350
2. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until fragrant and darkened - about 10 minutes. Take out and leave them to cool
3. Place the lentils in a saucepan and cover with about an inch of water above the lentils
4. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer
5. Cover and cook until the lentils are tender but still holding their shape, 15-20 minutes. Drain well and cool
6. In a food processor combine the walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
7. Process until finely ground
8. Add the lentils and 1 TBS olive oil pulse until coarsely chopped leaving some of the lentils whole
9. In a large bowl, whisk the egg, add the lentil mixture and mix well
10. Divide into 4 pieces, roll into balls and squish them between your hands until they’re about 3/4 inch thick
11. Heat 3 TBS olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat
12. Add the patties and cook until crisp and browned on each side – about 8-10 minutes a side
13. Place on paper towel to drain some of the oil off.