Lentil-Walnut Burgers(Vegetarian)
Flavorful vegetarian lentil-walnut burgers packed with mushrooms and spinach, perfect for a hearty, nutritious meal with rich umami flavors and crispy textures.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dry lentils
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon peanut or olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup finely minced onion ⓘ
- 4 to 5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 10 large mushrooms, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup very finely minced walnuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh spinach, finely minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- fresh black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs or wheat germ ⓘ
Instructions
- Place lentils and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft and the liquid is gone.
- Transfer the cooked lentils to a medium bowl.
- Add vinegar and mash the lentils well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a firmer burger, consider adding 1/4 cup of oats or quinoa to the mixture. If you're out of cider vinegar, lemon juice makes a great substitute. To save time, prepare the lentils in advance and store them in the fridge. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning; fresh black pepper really enhances the flavors. For a unique twist, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lentil-walnut burgers on whole grain buns with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, lettuce, and tomato. They pair beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. For a delicious dip, consider serving them with a yogurt sauce or a homemade salsa. Browse more vegan recipes for more plant-based inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lentil-walnut burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil-Walnut Burgers(Vegetarian) contains roughly 1781 calories, with 45g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 166g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1880mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these burgers?
Yes, these lentil-walnut burgers freeze well. Simply shape them into patties, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You can also omit them entirely or use rolled oats for added texture. Just ensure that whatever substitute you choose complements the overall flavor.
How can I make these burgers spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or diced jalapeños into the lentil mixture. You can also serve the burgers with a spicy aioli or hot sauce on the side to kick up the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).