Lentil Burgers with Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce

There are more ways to add plant foods to your burger than just tossing on a little lettuce, tomato, and onion. This lentil-based weeknight staple is key for anyone who’s looking to reduce their red meat intake. Lentils are a powerhouse of protein and fiber, packed with powerful phytonutrients. Bring these burgers up another notch by making this delicious lemon garlic tahini sauce – and you’ll be sold! Serve these yummy burgers on top of your favorite salad drizzled with sauce for a plant-packed meal that the whole family will enjoy. 

Lentil Burgers with Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce

Aubrey Redd, MS, RD, LDN

This lentil-based weeknight staple is key for anyone who’s looking to reduce their red meat intake. Serve these yummy burgers on top of your favorite salad drizzled with sauce for a plant-packed meal that the whole family will enjoy. 

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Equipment

• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Silicone mat or parchment paper
• Bowl
• Blender or food processor

Ingredients

  

Burger Ingredients

• 1.5 C Dried red lentils or any lentils you have on hand!
• 2 Large garlic cloves minced
• 1 Large shallot finely diced
• 1/3 C Carrots grated (about 3 small)
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1/4 C Fresh cilantro roughly chopped
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1.2 tsp Black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/3 C Tahini
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Water
• 1/4 C Cilantro
• 1/4 C Parsley
• 2 Cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

 

• Pour lentils into a large bowl. Add water to the bowl until there is enough to cover the lentils by about 2 inches. Soak the lentils for about 2 hours and drain thoroughly. 
• Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 
• Add all of the burger ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together, scraping the sides of the canister as needed. 
• Shape the patties: Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time. Shape into patties, about ½ inch thick. 
• Bake the patties for 10 minutes. Flip them over after 10 minutes and bake for about 10 minutes, or until crispy on both sides. 
• For the sauce: Pulse all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add additional water if needed to thin the sauce. 
• Serve lentil burgers on buns, in lettuce wraps, or overtop of your favorite salad drizzled with lemon garlic tahini sauce! 

Notes

Recipe Adapted from Cooking for Peanuts