Lentil Burgers on Onion Buns, Etc.

It's Independence Day!!  

This has always been one of my favorite holidays.  For the fireworks and for the weather and of course for being a proud American.  But it is not such a good holiday to be a vegetarian.  So, I did some research in How to Cook Everything Vegetarian and decided to whip up some veggie burgers.

Lentil Burgers inspired by recipes from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman

Yields 9 burgers about 3 inches in diameter

Prep time at least 2 hours

Cook time 30 minutes - 15 minutes on each side 

1 cup dried lentils soaking in about 3 cups of water

1 cube vegetable bouillon 

1/3 of an onion (we had white)

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup corn (frozen or canned works)

1 shredded carrot

1 egg

2-4 tablespoons corn meal

cilantro, coriander, chili powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes, curry powder, turmeric, salt and pepper to taste

1. Saute the garlic and onions in extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan until translucent.
2. Pour lentils and water into saucepan with vegetable bouillon cube.
3. Simmer until the lentils are cooked thoroughly and stick together.
4. Turn off the heat and add corn and shredded carrot.  Other vegetables can be added as well just be careful not to overdo it or else your burgers will not stick together.
5. Add 1 egg and corn meal (I needed only 3 tablespoons to get my burgers to be the right consistency - sticky but handleable) to help the burgers stick together.
6. Add desired spices.
7. Shape into patties and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.  Chill in fridge until you are ready to bake.
8. Remove burgers from oven and let them get back to room temperature as the oven preheats to 425°F.  Bake 15 minutes on each side.  

But what is a burger without a bun?  

Onion Buns adapted from King Arthur Flour

Yields 8 buns

1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup bread flour

1 tablespoon yeast

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup warm water

2 tablespoons melted butter

3 tablespoons dried minced onion

1 egg white

poppy or sesame seeds optional

The instructions via the KAF link above are very comprehensive.. essentially:

1. Combine dry ingredients and mix.
2. Combine wet ingredients and whisk.
3. Mix together slowly.
4. Knead.
5. Rise.
6. Shape.
7. Rise again.
8. Egg wash and top.
9. Bake.
10. Enjoy.

Some process photos:

In the process of making the buns I realized we would definitely want some barbeque sauce to moisten/flavor them.

Barbeque Sauce from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

1 cup ketsup

1/4 cup dry red wine

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 tablespoon minced onion

1 clove minced garlic

cloves, salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients. 

And once you have a great BBQ sauce, you'll remember other things you like to dip...

Sweet Potato Fries

Prep time about 45 minutes

Use:

Sweet potatoes/Yams

Salt, pepper and rosemary

Do:

Chop up two medium sweet potatoes into your favorite fry shape.

Drizzle about 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and toss with your hands.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and some fresh rosemary.

Spread evenly on a baking sheet.

Bake at 375 for about 20-30 minutes until you have your desired crispiness.

Happy Forth of July!!

- Sarah

PS I am red (see blood), white (see helmet and shoes) and blue (see jersey and bike). 

How hardcore American are YOU??