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Black Lentil Burger

The Ultimate Black Lentil Burger Recipe: A Hearty Plant-Based Classic You’ll Love

vicky schulte
Here’s a flavor-packed, hearty, and juicy Black Lentil Burger recipe that will impress vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. I’ll make it wholesome, nutrient-dense, and rich in flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Cooked Black Lentils (about one cup dry)
  • 1 cup cooked Brown Rice (or Quinoa) (Helps bind & add texture
  • 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup rolled oats (ground into coarse flour)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly tasted & chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed & 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Cook Lentils & Quinoa
    Simmer lentils in salted water until tender but not mushy (about 20–25 minutes).
    Drain well and let cool. Cook quinoa (or rice) separately if not done already.
  • Sauté Aromatics
    In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened and golden (about 8 minutes).
  • Mix the Burger Base
    In a large bowl, combine lentils, quinoa, mushroom-onion mixture, oats, walnuts, tomato paste, soy sauce, spices, and flax egg.
    Mash about half of the mixture with a fork or potato masher (leave some chunks for texture). The mixture should stick together when pressed.
  • Shape Patties
    Form into 6 firm patties (about ½-inch thick). If too wet, add more oat flour; if too dry, add a splash of water or extra tomato paste.
    Shape Black Lentil Patt
  • Cook Burgers
    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until crispy on the outside and heated through.
    (Optional) Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a firmer burge
    Bake the black lentil patties
  • Assemble & Serve
    Toast buns lightly. Add sauce of choice, patty, cheese, avocado, greens, and toppings. Serve warm.
    assemble and serve black lentil burgers
  • For serving (optional but recommended):
    Whole grain or brioche burger buns
    Avocado slices or guacamole
    Vegan cheese slices
    Fresh spinach or arugula
    Pickled red onions or caramelized onions
    Chipotle mayo or tahini sauce