Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers (2024)

Published: Sep 3, 2021 by Nisha Melvani, RDN · I earn commissions from purchases via links on this post.

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Vegan Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are the ultimate high-protein, plant-based burgers. Kid-friendly using affordable ingredients. Foolproof recipe. Oil-free option and gluten-free.

this RECIPE

I was inspired to make a simple vegan burger that actually holds together. So many fall apart and use multiple ingredients. These turn out perfectly every time.

For more easy burger recipes on my site, try these Easy Vegan Chipotle Burgers, and Thai Tofu Burgers with Thai Red Curry Dressing. These burgers pair well with my tasty Crispy Roasted Potato Bites.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
🥕 Substitutions
🌶 Variations
🔪 Equipment
⏱ Storage
💡 Top Tip
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Dried Red Lentils
Shallot
Carrots
Garlic
Tomato Paste
Cilantro
Salt & Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

📖 Instructions

Soak the red lentils in enough water to cover by about 2 inches for 2 hours. Drain well.

Squeeze the grated carrots between paper towels to remove excess liquid.

Add the ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are combined and hold together when squeezed with your hands. Do not overdo. The mixture will feel a bit sticky but don't panic. The texture changes when they are cooked.

Using ¼ cup measurement for each, form 12 equal-sized patties.

Option 1 (oil-free): Bake Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers on a large nonstick baking sheet in a single layer at 400ºF for 10 minutes.

Option 2: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. (Test that the oil is hot by dropping a small amount of the batter into the skillet and see that it sizzles.)

Cook the patties in a single layer, with enough space to flip, for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. (You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.)

Transfer the cooked burgers to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

🥕 Substitutions

Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are versatile:

Carrots - instead of carrots, you can use grated sweet potato or zucchini, or chopped spinach using the same measurements
Cilantro - instead of cilantro, use a variety of fresh herbs as desired
Falafel - instead of burgers, use 2 tablespoons of the lentil mixture for each, and make 24 falafels

🌶 Variations

Spicy - add minced jalapeño to the food processor with the other ingredients
For more of a kick - use red onions in place of the shallots

🔪 Equipment

Make sure to use a food processor with a pulse button to combine the ingredients. Do not use a blender.

⏱ Storage

Refrigerate any remaining patties in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

These cooked patties stand up well to freezing. Wrap each individually in parchment paper to avoid sticking and place in a freezer bag.

💡 Top Tip

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.

💦Do you have to soak lentils before cooking?

Lentils typically do not require soaking before cooking. However, they do require soaking in this recipe as they are not being cooked in water.
Make sure to wash your lentils thoroughly before using.

💪🏼 Are red lentils a good source of protein?

Not all lentils are created equal. Red lentils are especially rich in protein. Plus, they have the added benefit of the shortest cooking time. One half cup of uncooked lentils boasts 22g of plant-based protein.

📖 Recipe