Short Description

These Easy 6‑Ingredient Lentil Burgers are wholesome, flavorful, and pantry‑friendly. Made from red lentils, garlic, shallots, carrots, tomato paste, and cilantro, they come together quickly and cook up crisp and satisfying—a perfect meatless option for burger night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal ingredients: just six pantry staples.
Make‑ahead ready: soak lentils ahead for faster prep.
Oven‑baked or pan‑fried: choose your favorite cooking method.
Versatile and nutritious: packed with protein, fiber, and veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups dried red lentils
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large shallot (or small onion), finely diced (≈ ⅓ cup)
⅓ cup grated carrots (about 3 small carrots)
1 Tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp ground black pepper
Neutral‑flavored cooking oil (for optional pan‑frying)

Directions

Soak the lentils: Place lentils in a bowl and cover with water by ~2 inches. Let soak 2 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
Preheat and prepare: If baking, preheat oven to 400 °F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Process mixture: In a food processor, combine drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro, sazlt, and pepper. Pulse until well mixed and the mixture holds together, scraping sides as needed.
Shape patties: Scoop ~¼ cup of mixture and form into patties about ½″ thick.
Cook patties:
- Bake: Arrange patties on the prepared sheet and bake 10 min, flip, then bake another 10 min until crispy.
- Pan‑fry: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet, filling halfway up the patties. Fry 4 min per side or until golden, in batches if needed. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
Serve: Place burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, or enjoy with a side salad or roasted potatoes.

Servings and timing

Makes: 6–8 patties (serves 3–4 burgers)
Prep time: 5 minutes (plus 2-hour lentil soak)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~2 h 25 min (active cooking ~25 min)

Variations

Spice it up: Add ½ tsp cumin or chili powder.
Herb swap: Use parsley or chopped scallions instead of cilantro.
Binder option: Stir in 2 Tbsp breadcrumbs or rolled oats if patties seem loose.
Cheesy twist: Top with a slice of cheese and melt at the end.
Protein boost: Fold in ¼ cup cooked quinoa or black beans.

Storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze patties in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag; freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350 °F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Skillet: Reheat over medium-low heat 2–3 minutes per side.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave 30–60 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I skip soaking the lentils?

Soaking helps soften red lentils fully; skip it only if you prefer a mushier texture after baking.

2. Can I substitute other lentils?

Red lentils work best for binding. Try green or brown lentils, but reduce soak time and consider adding a binder like oats.

3. Are these gluten‑free?

Yes, if you don’t add breadcrumbs and ensure your tomato paste is labeled gluten‑free.

4. Can I bake all the time instead of pan‑frying?

Absolutely—baking is easier and creates less mess, though pan‑fried patties will have a crisper exterior.

5. How do I prevent patties from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture holds together in the processor. If needed, add 1–2 Tbsp fine breadcrumbs or oats.

6. Can I make them spicy?

Yes—add chopped jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or hot sauce to the mixture.

7. How should I serve them?

Use burger buns, wraps, or bowls. Great with cheese, guacamole, pickles, lettuce, or vegan mayo.

8. Can I double the batch?

Yes. Double all ingredients, process in batches, and bake or pan‑fry in multiple rounds.

9. Are these kid‑friendly?

Yes—they’re mild in flavor and soft in texture. Serve with their favorite toppings.

10. Can I eat them cold?

Yes—store‑cold patties make a great protein-packed snack or lunch on the go.

Conclusion

These Easy 6‑Ingredient Lentil Burgers are a flavorful, wholesome, and simple way to enjoy plant‑based protein. With flexible cooking methods, easy make‑ahead prep, and plenty of options for customization, they’re a crowd‑pleaser anytime. Try them baked or pan‑fried, top them up your way, and enjoy!

Ezabella