Vegetarian lentil and quinoa burger

Vegetarian Lentil and Quinoa Burger

I invite you to discover a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for any food lover: the vegetarian lentil and quinoa burger. This is not just an alternative to traditional burgers, but a dish full of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this burger is the ideal choice!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 150 g red lentils
- 3 tablespoons of quinoa flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 garlic cloves (grated)
- 3 green onions
- 3 green garlic stalks
- A bunch of dill
- A bunch of parsley
- 1 egg (or an egg substitute for the vegan version)
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved with a little lemon juice)

# Spices
- 3 allspice berries
- A pinch of sweet paprika
- A pinch of thyme
- A pinch of garlic powder
- A pinch of cumin
- A pinch of oregano
- A pinch of turmeric

Serving Ingredients
- Whole grain bread slices (with rye, seeds, etc.)
- Fresh tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Whole grain mustard
- Lettuce or salad greens
- Roasted beetroot (optional)
- Horseradish (optional)

Brief History
The vegetarian burger has gained popularity in recent decades as a healthy and sustainable option. In addition to its nutritional benefits, this burger variant adds creativity to the kitchen. Using ingredients like lentils and quinoa not only provides flavor but also an excellent source of plant-based proteins, fiber, and vitamins.

Preparation Method
1. Preparing the lentils: Start by rinsing the red lentils well under cold running water. Boil them in boiling water for 20 minutes until soft. Then drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Grinding the spices: In a coffee grinder or mortar, grind the spices (allspice, sweet paprika, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, turmeric) well. These will add a deep flavor to your burger.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Finely chop the green onions, green garlic, dill, and parsley. Grate the carrot on a fine grater. If you prefer, you can use a blender to chop the vegetables quickly.

4. The main mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped vegetables, grated garlic, carrot, ground spices, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, quinoa flakes, olive oil, and the baking soda dissolved in lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

5. Forming the burgers: From the mixture obtained, form the burgers using your palms. Be careful, as the mixture is fragile. Roll them gently in breadcrumbs to give them a crispy crust.

6. Cooking the burgers: Heat a grill or a non-stick pan greased with a little oil. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Carefully flip them using a spatula to avoid breaking.

Serving
Serve the burgers warm on whole grain bread slices, alongside mustard, fresh tomatoes, and cucumber. You can also add green onions, roasted beetroot, or horseradish, depending on your preferences. These burgers are perfect for a lunch or a light dinner!

Useful Tips
- Make-ahead: You can cook the lentils and chop the vegetables a day in advance, saving time on cooking day.
- Vegan option: Replace the egg with an egg substitute, such as banana puree or flaxseeds.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the mixture, such as grated zucchini or bell pepper, for an even more varied taste.

Nutritional Benefits
This vegetarian burger is an excellent source of plant-based proteins, fiber, and essential vitamins. Lentils and quinoa are rich in antioxidants, contributing to heart health and cholesterol control. Additionally, fresh vegetables add a supply of vitamins and minerals, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use green lentils instead of red lentils? Yes, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I store the burgers after cooking? You can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze them for later use.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A fresh lemonade or a fruit smoothie is perfect to complement the meal.

Final Notes
The vegetarian lentil and quinoa burger is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings joy and health to your table. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for guests, this burger will impress with its rich flavor and crispy texture. I encourage you to experiment and add your own variations by including your favorite ingredients. Serving it with colorful and healthy sides will turn this meal into a delicious feast! Enjoy your meal!