Lentil and Brown Rice Burgers

by Jessica

Everybody loves the Chef at Home (aka Magen David) cookbook. It has bright colors, pretty pictures, and no capitals in the titles! Okay, that’s not why they like it. They like the easy to follow recipes and everyday dishes. I’ve made quite a few recipes from there, but haven’t blogged about them (sorry!). So I decided to make something awesome from there on my day off and share it with you. Now I know we’ve posted quite a few veggie burger recipes lately (fine, two. But that’s a lot!), but I like to make healthy dishes that I can freeze and just heat up when I need a quick lunch, dinner or even snack. And I’m trying to stay away from processed foods, so Morningstar items only a last resort.

I kinda made my job harder by actually chopping all the veggies. I chopped everything into TINY pieces. You probably don’t have to make them that small. Or you can use the food processor and pulse them. I just wanted to incorporate all the flavors and to make sure the burgers really stick together. I hate it when veggie burgers fall apart, don’t you?

Lentil and Brown Rice Burgers, adapted from Chef at Home
Makes about 20 burgers

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 5 1/2 cups water
  • 2 medium onions (I used spanish), finely chopped
  • 7 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
  • 7 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (I used button), chopped
  • 4 tablespoons brown bread crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 4 egg whites
  • Oil or nonstick spray for the baking tray

Directions:

1. In a pot over medium heat, add the water, rice, and lentils. Cook for 30 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.

2. Saute the onions and garlic in 4 tablespoons of the oil until slightly browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside in medium bowl.

3. Saute the celery and carrots in 2 tablespoons of the oil until softened, about 15 minutes. Set aside with the onions.

4. Saute the mushrooms in the remaining tablespoon of the oil until the water is all absorbed, about 7 minutes. Set aside with the rest of the vegetables.

5. Combine the rice, lentils, and vegetables in the large bowl and mix well.

6. Add the bread crumbs, flour, salt, pepper, and cumin to the mixture. Stir to combine.

7. Add the eggs and egg whites and mix again.

8. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, covered.

9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

10. Using a 1/2 cup measure, scoop out mixture and with slightly wet hands, form patties and place them onto a greased baking sheet (if freezing, place them on wax paper).

11. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, then flip over and bake another 20 minutes, until golden brown.

12. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings/extras and enjoy!