French Lentils and Peas Burger

Happy Friday, you guys! Today, I have another vegetarian/ vegan burger recipe for you that is super easy, hearty and delicious. These burgers have french lentils, green peas, chickpeas and red pepper, seasoned with spices and are cooked on stove top. They are a great make ahead meal for weeknights or weekend get together. You can serve them with bread and toppings of your choice or  you can serve them over a salad for a and guilt free meal. I served these burgers over a simple arugula & baby sunflower greens salad. Trust me, no one missed the bread or any other toppings :). The burgers hold together well enough to flip in a skillet without falling apart. I hope you guys give them a try because I’m sure you will love them!

Have a wonderful long weekend!! xx

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Dry French Lentils
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Medium Shallot, chopped
3 – 4  Garlic Cloves, chopped
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne, optional
3/4 Cup Green Peas, thawed if using frozen
1/2 Cup Organic Canned Chickpeas or 1/4 Cup Chickpeas Flour

Process

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a saucepan with 2 cups water. Bring the water to boil and cook the lentils uncovered for 25 – 30 minutes or until tender. Drain off any excess liquid and set aside to cool. This can be done up to a day in advance.
2. In a skillet,  heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped shallots and garlic and cook until the shallots are translucent. Now add the chopped red pepper and green peas, cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the pepper is slightly tender. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside to cool down.
3. In a food processor bowl, add half of the cooked lentils, chickpeas and mixture from skillet and pulse until everything is finely chopped. DO NOT MAKE A PASTE! You should be able to form a patty with your hands without it being falling apart.
4. Take the  mixture out in a bowl and add remaining cooked lentils and all the spices. Mix everything gently with a fork until well-combined. Place the  mixture in the refrigerator for at-least 10 minutes, so that it will be easier to form patties.
5. Heat the same skillet coated with olive oil(add more if needed), over medium heat. Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal parts and form patties using your hands.
6. Cook the burgers for about 5-7 minutes, gently flip them using a spatula and cook for additional 5 minutes or until the top of the burger is firm.
7. Let the burgers cool down for 5 minutes before serving as they will firm up while cooling.