Cumin-Spiced Lentil Burgers

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + standing Cook: 10 min./batch

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Sep. 22, 2023
I adapted my Turkish daughter-in-law’s traditional recipe for lentil logs—typically wrapped in a lettuce leaf and served with a lemon wedge—into vegan burgers. If you prefer a spicier version, add hot chili powder or crushed red chile peppers. —Sheila Joan Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Cumin-Spiced Lentil Burgers Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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 flatbread wraps
  • 8 tablespoons Sriracha mayonnaise
  • Optional toppings: Lettuce leaves, sliced tomato and sliced onions

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups water and lentils 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 bulgur is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5-7 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 remaining 1/4 cup water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, to help mixture stay together when squeezed; shape into eight 1/2-in.-thick patties.
  3. 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 as desired.

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 green pepper strips.
  • These lentil burgers may be made ahead and refrigerated.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 burger: 434 calories, 23g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 16g fiber), 16g protein.