Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers

Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers Recipe from India - Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that is packed with flavor. These burgers are easy to make and perfect for a meatless meal.

History

Red lentils have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, known for their high protein and fiber content. This recipe takes the traditional lentil and spices it up with cumin and cayenne pepper for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

1.5 cups red lentils
0.25 cup + 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
0.75 cup plain, dry bread crumbs
0.25 cup coarsely chopped parsley leaves
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tbsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tsp fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, cover the lentils with 2 inches of cold water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer the lentils until they are very tender, about 10 minutes.
Drain the lentils well.
Preheat the broiler.
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil.
Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until golden, about 6 minutes.
Add the carrots and two-thirds of the garlic and cook until the carrots begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the cumin and cayenne and remove from the heat.
Mix in the bread crumbs, 3 tbsp of parsley, the eggs, salt, and pepper.
Form the mixture into sixteen 0.25 cup burgers.
Line a baking sheet with foil.
Brush the foil and both sides of the burgers with the remaining 0.25 cup of olive oil.
Broil until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the lemon juice and the remaining garlic and 1 tbsp of parsley.
Serve the burgers hot, with the yogurt sauce on the side.

Make Ahead

The lentil burgers can be prepared through step 10 and refrigerated overnight.

Variations

Try adding different spices like smoked paprika or coriander for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the lentils until they are very tender to ensure the burgers hold together well.

- Brushing the burgers with olive oil before broiling helps them crisp up and develop a nice golden color.

- The yogurt sauce adds a cool and creamy element to the dish, balancing out the spices in the burgers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the burgers gives them a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of lentils in place of red lentils, but the cooking time may vary. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of plain yogurt for the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lentil mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before forming and cooking the burgers.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers on a bed of greens with a dollop of the yogurt sauce on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these burgers with a light and refreshing white wine or a cold beer to complement the spices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Red lentils are a good source of iron, folate, and magnesium, providing essential vitamins and minerals to your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat in the form of bread crumbs, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers are a nutritious and flavorful option for a meatless meal, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Cumin-spiced Red Lentil Burgers are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that is easy to make and full of flavor. Serve them with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for cumin-spiced red lentil burgers. It was many years ago, when I was visiting a quaint little farmer's market in a small town. As I wandered through the stalls, the aromatic scent of spices and herbs filled the air, drawing me towards a stand selling homemade veggie burgers.

The vendor, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, greeted me warmly and offered me a sample of her red lentil burger. With one bite, I was hooked. The flavors of cumin, paprika, and garlic danced on my taste buds, making me crave more. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make these burgers myself.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, asking her about the ingredients and techniques she used to create such a delicious dish. She smiled and began to share her recipe with me, explaining each step in detail. I listened intently, taking mental notes and asking questions when needed.

After our conversation, I thanked the woman profusely and left the market with a newfound excitement. I couldn't wait to get home and try my hand at making these cumin-spiced red lentil burgers.

Once home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients – red lentils, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, and eggs – and set to work in my kitchen. I followed the vendor's instructions carefully, soaking the lentils, sautéing the onions and garlic, and mixing everything together to form the burger patties.

As the burgers sizzled on the stove, filling my kitchen with their mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I had successfully recreated the vendor's recipe, and the burgers looked just as delicious as the ones I had tried at the market.

When I finally took a bite of my homemade cumin-spiced red lentil burger, I was transported back to that sunny day at the farmer's market. The flavors were just as bold and satisfying, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Since that fateful day, I have made these burgers countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And each time I make these burgers, I think back to that vendor at the farmer's market and feel grateful for her generosity in sharing her recipe with me.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memory of how I learned to make these cumin-spiced red lentil burgers. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. And I know that I will continue to make these burgers for years to come, sharing their goodness with all who are lucky enough to taste them.