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Smoky Lentil Veggie Burgers with Creamy Tahini Sauce

These Smoky Lentil Veggie Burgers are quick to make, packed with earthy flavors, and come with a deliciously creamy tahini sauce. A perfect meal for busy lives.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers
  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed Rinsed before cooking.
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or water) Used for cooking lentils.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing onion and garlic.
  • 1 small onion, diced Optional: for extra sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Key ingredient for smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper Add more for additional heat.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Whole wheat or gluten-free works great.
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
For the Creamy Tahini Sauce
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2-4 tablespoons water Add to reach desired consistency.
  • to taste salt For seasoning.
For Serving
  • 4-6 pieces burger buns Depending on how hefty you make your patties.
  • Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and avocado For topping.
  • Extra tahini sauce For drizzling.

Method
 

Cooking the Lentils
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed lentils and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain excess liquid; lentils should be moist but not swimming.
Sautéing
  1. While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Mash together with a fork or potato masher.
Forming Patties
  1. Shape the mixture into burger patties. You should get about 4-6, depending on how hefty you want your burgers. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer firmer patties.
Cooking Burgers
  1. Heat a skillet (or grill!) over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Making Sauce
  1. While the burgers are cooking, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and enough water to reach your desired sauce thickness. Season with salt.
Serving
  1. Assemble the burgers by placing patties in buns, adding fresh veggies, and drizzling with tahini sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to add chopped herbs to the lentil mixture. The veggie burgers freeze beautifully; make a batch and save some for later. Just reheat when needed.