Tuesday, November 13, 2007

An old favorite - Lentil Burgers

Tonight I made one of my old favorites - Smoked Cheddar and Lentil Burgers. This recipe is a little time consuming, but I always double and freeze 8 patties, so I think it is worth it. Todd says it's just as good as a regular burger! But no meat!

After making these several times, I have learned that three things can't be altered or substituted...
1 - smoked cheddar. it gives it a grilled taste, and a milder smoked cheese just goes away when it is cooking.
2 - arugula. it needs this spicy green as a topping.
3 - stone ground mustard.

Today I substituted dry thyme (half of what the recipe calls for) for the fresh b/c I didn't want to pay $2 for a little pack. It tasted just fine.

I always make these on a day when I'm going to be around the house or in and out. I boil the lentils early and just let them cool for a long time. Today I started about 10...boiled the lentils and sauteed the veggies, and then I let them sit and cool until after lunch.

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I chopped the carrot and onion in the food processor...

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After lunch, Leo helped mash the lentils...

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Then you just add the other spices, breadcrumbs, and cheese. This is the cheese I used today...

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And I forgot to get a picture of it all mixed up. But I mixed it all up after lunch and then let it sit in the fridge until I was ready to make dinner.

I started by making eight patties to freeze...

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Should be nice to pull out during the busy month of December. I think I'll start doubling a meal to freeze here and there so I'll have more for that crazy month.

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Cooking in my evil non-stick grill pan. They won't all fit at the same time, so some are starting and some are finishing in this picture. That's another reason I love this recipe - it makes a good, generous-sized patty.

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I served with oven fries and steamed broccoli. I love this one - and with eight patties, we had enough for tonight and for leftovers for both of us for tomorrow.

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Henry liked it too. Leo had a turkey and cheese sandwich.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have always been embarrased because I didn't know what I lentil was. They look really good though! BTW, I love Henry's foot on the table, Alexandra does that too. -Giovanna

Michelle said...

Those look really good! I may have to try this out, but not tell my husband what he's eating until afterwards since he has a bias against non-beef burgers.