My lovely Turkish daughter-in-law has shared many recipes with our family. I transformed her original lentil log recipe (a traditional Tur...
Cumin-Spiced Lentil Burgers
My lovely Turkish daughter-in-law has shared many recipes with our family. I transformed her original lentil log recipe (a traditional Turkish appetizer) into these vegan lentil burgers. For a spicier burger, you can add hot chili powder or crushed red chili peppers. —Sheila Joan Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Total Time
Prep: 30 min. Cook: 10 min./batch
Makes
8 servings
Ingredients
2-1/4 cups water, divided
1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
1 cup bulgur (fine grind)
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
6 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 large egg, lightly beaten
6 green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8 flatbreads wraps
8 tablespoons Sriracha mayonnaise
TOPPINGS: lettuce leaves, sliced tomato and sliced onions
Directions
Place 2 cups water and lentils in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until lentils are tender, 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in bulgur and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and let stand until tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 8-10 minutes. Add cumin and chili powder; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat. Add onion mixture to lentil mixture. Stir in egg, green onions, parsley and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing lightly but thoroughly. If needed, add remining 1/4-cup water, one tablespoon at a time to help mixture stay together when squeezed; shape into eight 1/2-in.-thick patties.
In the same skillet, heat remaining 4 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add burgers in batches; cook until golden brown, 3-5 minutes on each side. Serve in wraps with Sriracha mayonnaise and toppings of your choice.
Test Kitchen tips
If the burger mixture is too dry and does not stick together 1- 2 tablespoons of water may be added to soften.
Your favorite garnish or sauce may be added, but traditional Turkish dishes are served with tomatoes, lettuce, onions and long raw green peppers.
These lentil burgers may be made ahead and refrigerated.
