• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Parenting
  • Natural Living
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Book
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health
    • I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • Resource Library
    • Get a Password

Happy Healthy Mama

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes » Lentil burgers

Last updated on June 13, 2018. Originally posted on June 13, 2012 By Maryea / 22 Comments

Lentil burgers

103 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Nothing says summer like a burger.  The bun, the juicy tomato, the pickles, the ketchup, the mustard, just…yum.

There are no rules that say your summer burger has to be a burger made of meat.  Why not switch things up a bit and try this vegan lentil burger?  With lentils and black beans, it’s high in protein, iron, fiber, and calcium.   The ol’ cow burger can only brag about 2/4 of those essential nutrients.

With cilantro and basil, these burgers have a nice, but not overpowering, flavor.  Small bits of dried mango lend a subtle sweetness.

I’m very picky about the texture of non-meat burgers.  I can’t stand a mushy patty.  You’re never going to get a veggie or bean burger to have the exact texture of a meat burger, but this recipe makes a firm burger you can sink your teeth into.  You’ll definitely want to sink your teeth into these healthy lentil burgers!

 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lentil burgers


  • Author: Healthy Happy Mama
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 patties 1x
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

Description

A tasty and healthy vegan burger


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 15 ounce can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 5–8 fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds + 6 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup dried mango, choppped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • oil for grilling (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring your lentils and water to a boil.  Reduce the heat, cover the lentils, and cook for 20 minutes.  If there is any water left, drain it.
  2. Put your ground flax seed and water in a small bowl and set aside to allow to gel.
  3. In a food processor, combine the lentils, black beans, cilantro, basil, and oats.  Process until everything is combined.  You may have some whole lentils, beans, or oats–that’s okay.
  4. Remove the blade from your food processor and add the flax mixture, mango, and salt and stir until well combined. (I just like not having to dirty another bowl.  You can transfer to a new bowl if you prefer.)
  5. Form the mixture into six patties.
  6. Heat a good amount of oil (I used olive oil) in a large skillet over medium high heat.  When the oil is hot, add the burgers.  Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side.
  7. Alternatively, you can bake these in the oven on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Just flip the burgers half way through the cooking time and let them sit for 5 minutes before serving them.  This yields a drier burger, but it’s still good and is great if you want/need to eliminate some calories from the oil.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: main meal
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pattie
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 384mg
  • Fat: 6.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.3g
  • Protein: 6.3g

Keywords: vegan burgers

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @happyhealthymama on Instagram and hashtag it #happyhealthymama

These are delicious on a bun with all the traditional burger fixings, but I’ve also had them without a bun.  I turned the patties themselves into buns and sandwiched some avocado and tomatoes in the middle.  I found out I like them even better that way.  Have fun with this healthy, meatless burger!

 

103 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Dinner Recipes

Previous Post: « Our journey with breastfeeding and MSPI
Next Post: Strawberry quinoa salad {vegan, gluten-free} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Candy @ Healthy in Candy Land says

    September 5, 2012 at 12:20 am

    I finally made these tonight, and we all loved them! I left out the mango and they were still delicious. I will process them for a shorter time next time because they were *almost* mushy, even though I was super careful trying not to overprocess. It needs only a few pulses I’m thinking. Regardless, it was a delicious way to end summer break–thank you!

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      September 5, 2012 at 8:55 am

      You’re welcome. I’m glad you tried them. 🙂 I agree that there’s a very fine line where you can overprocess them, making them mushy. Veggie burgers are so tricky!

      Reply
  2. Marisa says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    I feel like I followed the directions carefully, but mine came out mushy :(. Any special tricks for getting a firmer burger?

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      July 30, 2012 at 8:55 pm

      So sorry about that. Do you think you over-processed the mixture? That could lead to a mushier texture.

      Reply
  3. Heidi @ Food Doodles says

    June 14, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    I’m picky about my veggie burgers too! I need to get into the kitchen to make some soon. Have you ever frozen these ones, either raw or partially cooked? I love keeping burgers in the freezer, that way if I decide to make meat burgers for my hubby I can just take out one or two veggie ones and not have to make 2 batches of burgers instead of just the meat ones. The mango in these sounds so interesting! And the cilantro and basil – yummy!

    Reply
  4. Katey says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    I am loving the idea of mango and basil being incorporated. I have quite a lot of red lentils waiting to be used… do you have any thoughts as to whether red lentils would be a good choice in these burgers?

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      June 13, 2012 at 8:36 pm

      The only thing I would worry about is how mushy red lentils tend to get when you cook them. If you decide to try it, just make sure you don’t overcook them at all. Let me know if you do try them and how they work out!

      Reply
  5. Candy @ Healthy in Candy Land says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:40 pm

    It has been my mission to find the perfect non-meat burger. I am big on texture and the mushy ones just don’t work for me! I look forward to trying this one–perhaps it is THE one?

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      June 13, 2012 at 8:37 pm

      Oh the pressure!! Yikes!

      Reply
      • Michelle {the lively kitchen} says

        June 13, 2012 at 10:46 pm

        Hee hee. Me to0 – always looking for that perfect veggie burger. And purse, but’s that’s not your problem…

        I’m leaving out the mangoes as my husband has a strong policy against fruits in savory things. I think he’s missing out, but I’ll accommodate a man who is more than happy to eat lentil burgers. 🙂

  6. Amy-Nutrition by Nature says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Wow, these look delicious! I have not had lentils in awhile, sounds like its time to pick up a bag again. Thanks for the recipe!
    I do think burgers scream summer time!

    Reply
  7. Marta @ What Should I Eat For Breakfast Today? says

    June 13, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I like that you call it a summer burger 🙂 It has everything I like and I actually eat burgers only during the summer time, and only from a grill 🙂

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    June 13, 2012 at 10:33 am

    YUM. This recipe is right up my alley!

    Reply
  9. Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says

    June 13, 2012 at 10:30 am

    I have never seen dried mango in burgers. That sounds delish!! Awesome summer time dish 🙂

    Reply
  10. Laura S. says

    June 13, 2012 at 10:18 am

    Can’t wait to try these. Sooo glad you are back!!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:53 am

      Thanks, Laura. I’m glad to be back!

      Reply
  11. Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says

    June 13, 2012 at 10:10 am

    These sound delicious!

    Reply
  12. Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says

    June 13, 2012 at 8:55 am

    Oooo, those sound like they are packed full of flavor! Delicious looking too! I bet it would take the husband a minute to realize that they weren’t meat burgers…

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:52 am

      Umm…yeah, these don’t pass for meat burgers in the least. They are a bean burger through and through. But a darn good bean burger! 🙂 Tim eats these, although he prefers my beet burgers when it comes to non-meat burgers. His first choice is always a juicy cow burger, though, unfortunately.

      Reply
  13. Sarah's Scrumptious Samplings says

    June 13, 2012 at 8:17 am

    Ooh these look delicious. I might make a trip to the grocery store to get the mango so I can make them for dinner 🙂

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:52 am

      I hope you do!

      Reply
  14. [email protected] says

    June 13, 2012 at 8:15 am

    Yum! When I saw the title of your post, I KNEW i had to check it out because I remember that you told me, a long time ago, that you hate a mushy veggie burger patty. So I figured that yours would not be and I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

What are you looking for?

Welcome! I'm Maryea, author of Happy Healthy Mama. I am on a mission to create the healthiest life possible for my family and inspire you to do the same! Read More…

By Category

Easy + Healthy Dinners

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up shot of taco casserole

Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (and healthy!)

close up photo of Buffalo chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato with cilantro and extra buffalo sauce

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

6 chicken breasts with grill marks on a cutting board

The BEST Chicken Marinade (Healthy!)

Archives

Gluten-Free

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

a jar with liquid and chunks of food

Fire Cider (Easy Homemade Recipe)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

a stack of gluten free peanut butter blossoms

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger

Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

More Posts from this Category

Dairy-Free

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

a jar with liquid and chunks of food

Fire Cider (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger

Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

More Posts from this Category

Vegetarian

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

Homemade Pesto with spinach and a spoon

Spinach Pesto Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

a jar with liquid and chunks of food

Fire Cider (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger

Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

See More →

Vegan

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

a jar with liquid and chunks of food

Fire Cider (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger

Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

See More →

Anti-Inflammatory

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

a jar with liquid and chunks of food

Fire Cider (Easy Homemade Recipe)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger

Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

More Posts from this Category

Kid-Friendly

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

close up photo of honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips (Easiest ever!)

overhead shot of Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Quick & Easy!)

More Posts from this Category

Smoothies

green smoothie in a glass
Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger
Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass
A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie
Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish
Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin
2 mango smoothies with turquoise paper straws
blueberry chocolate smoothie in a tall glass with chocolate and blueberries on top

More Posts from this Category

Breakfast

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

a bowl of oatmeal with a cup of coffee and a bowl of fresh apples in the background

Best Ever Apple Pie Overnight Oats

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

baked oatmeal in a dish with a spoon scooping out a serving

Peach Baked Oatmeal (Easy + Healthy!)

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

See More →

Lunch

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Spicy Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

Salmon Salad in a bowl with a fork

Salmon Salad Recipe

a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

See More →

Dinner

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up shot of taco casserole

Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (and healthy!)

close up photo of Buffalo chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato with cilantro and extra buffalo sauce

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

6 chicken breasts with grill marks on a cutting board

The BEST Chicken Marinade (Healthy!)

See More →

Desserts

a stack of gluten free peanut butter blossoms

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

close up photo of a stack of cookies on a green plate

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles (Must try!)

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups (4 ingredients)

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

serving up Simple Baked Apples Recipe whole apples and baked dish

Simple Baked Apples Recipe

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

no bake almond butter cookies with a bite

No Bake Almond Butter Cookies

See More →

Snacks

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

See More →

Salads

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

overhead shot of Thai Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a green and white napkin

Vibrant Thai Salad

Beet Salad with goat cheese recipe on a fork

Delicious Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

See More →

Soups

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

overhead shot of Red Cabbage Soup recipe in a white bowl with a navy napkin and spoon in the background

Red Cabbage Soup (Incredible!)

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

spicy black bean soup with avocado slices on top and salt and pepper in the background and a blue napkin

Spicy Black Bean Soup

See More →

Side Dishes

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

close up photo of honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips (Easiest ever!)

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

overhead shot of Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Quick & Easy!)

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

scooping out zucchini and squash from a white bowl

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash (SO FAST!)

steamed broccoli in a bowl

Steamed Broccoli–Instant Pot Recipe

See More →

Appetizers

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers healthy football food

Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

buffalo chicken dip on a celery stick

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (4 ingredients!)

This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for your Super Bowl Party recipe line-up! No one will notice the missing calories or fat.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lighten up your game day and party appetizers with this SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip. Tastes AMAZING but with less calorie! #recipe #partyfood

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

More Posts from this Category

Beverages

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

cranberry margarita with a sugar rim, lime wheel, and fresh cranberries

Cranberry Margarita – The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

Patritotic Sangria recipe close up in a glass with fruit

Patriotic Sangria Recipe

Simply the best margarita in the world

Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

Anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothie recipe

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie

healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe in a mug

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Dairy Free and Sugar Free!)

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe close up of glass with lemon garnish

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

See More →

Footer

Privacy

Copyright © 2023 · Cookd Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in