Lentil Burgers with Basil Kale Pesto

Hello. Meet the Lentil Burger. First thing you need to know is this meal is not lacking in flavor.

The combination of sweetness and savor makes it a great dish! The red lentils, carrot, and potato mixed together with seasonings is all sweetened up with a little agave. A sautéed basil-kale pesto mixture on top makes the entire experience to die. So good!

Ingredients for Lentil Burgers:

2 c. red lentils

3 red skinned potatoes; grated into shreds

1 peeled carrot; grated into shreds

1 c. whole rolled oats; processed into oat flour

1 tbsp. chia seeds soaked in 1/4 c. water

1 1/2 tsp. coriander

2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp. agave 

Olive oil (aprox. 2 tbsp.)

Directions:

Cook 2 cups of lentils in 4 cups of water. Once cooked, remove lentils from heat and let cool. 

Using a cheese grater, shred your carrot and potatoes. Sauté carrot and potato in olive oil and seasoning (salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, chili powder, oregano). Set mixture aside. 

Mix chia seeds and water and set aside for a few minutes until a gel texture. 

Combine oat flour, lentils, chia seeds, and agave in food processor until smooth. 

Mix processed lentil mixture with cooked potatoes and carrots. Form 8 patties and place in a sprayed pan. Cook over medium heat 5-7 minutes on each side (watch for burning). 

I topped these delicious burger patties with a "pesto" made a little different from the traditional recipe. This pesto topping is made of kale with basil and pine nuts giving the same delicious flavor in a different twist. 

Ingredients for Kale Pesto Topping:

2 c. Kale

1/2 c. Fresh Basil

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. pine nuts 

Salt and pepper to taste

Oregano to taste 

1/2 c. Water

Combine everything in food processor. Heat mixture over stove in a small pan and cook at a low boil for 5 minutes or so. Pour mixture on top of lentil burger. 

I nestled my lentil burger on top of a small bed of plain lightly salted quinoa. Of course I topped my burger with my basil kale pesto topping and then added a side of brussel sprouts cooked in a little olive oil and salt and pepper. Yum! Again the combination of flavors is out of this world! You'll just have to try these out and see for yourself! 

Chomp, chomp, chomp,

~Crago