The Best Lentil Almond Burgers Ever!

photo from Eatingwell.com

I must be honest and confess-- I  keep a package of veggie burgers in my freezer.  They're convenient to have on hand when I don't have time to cook.  In the summer, one of my friends is always having an impromtu BBQ so if I don't have a supply of homemade burgers,  I'll toss a couple of veggie burgers in my purse. I wrap them in foil to cook on the grill along with all the hamburgers and hotdogs. 

I am not a huge fan of the pre-packaged, frozen veggie burger, but it can be quite a life-saver on those days I just don't have time to prepare my own.  I prefer homemade burgers made from beans and grains. They're obviously healthier and they taste so much better.  

Here is my favorite burger recipe made from lentils and almonds. These are so delicious. I put them on whole grain hamburgers rolls and serve with all the regular fixings.

This recipe comes from Eatingwell.com.  I've adjusted it slightly to make it vegan.  These burgers are  delicate so flip them gently in the pan when you cook them. They will most likely fall apart if you grill them so my advice is not even try. You can wrap them in a bit of foil, however, and re-heat them on the BBQ, if desired.

Lentil and Almond Burgers

• 6 cups water
• 1 cup brown lentils or green French lentils (see Ingredient note)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, ,divided
• 3/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots (about 2 medium)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk) (about
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Ener-G egg replacer mixed in 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in lentils, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until very tender and beginning to break down, about 25 minutes for brown lentils or 30 minutes for green lentils. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrot, shallots and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add almonds, thyme, salt and pepper; continue cooking until the almonds are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor; add 1 cup of the cooked lentils. Pulse several times, scraping down the sides once or twice, until the mixture is coarsely ground. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the remaining lentils. Let cool for 10 minutes. Mix in egg replacer and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour

3. Form the lentil mixture into 5 patties. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn gently and continue to cook until lightly browned and heated through, 3 to 4 minutes more. Serve immediately.

Ingredient Note: French green lentils are smaller and firmer than brown lentils. They cook more quickly, too, about 20 minutes. They can be found in natural-foods stores and some larger supermarkets.

A Healthier, Vegetarian, BBQ Rib Sandwich!

Photo from morningstarfarms.com

The McRib is back! Everyone is talking about it, posting the news on Social Networking sites, and lining up at their local McDonald's to get their  'available for a limited time' sandwich. Thank goodness the McRib isn't a regular item on McDonald's menu.  It's one of the unhealthiest, fat and calorie laden sandwiches you can possibly eat. Don't believe me? Check out my article in which I deconstruct the McRib to reveal what you really are eating! The McRib- deconstructed. 

Run away from the McRib! The combination of that thick, sweet (artificial) BBQ sauce and all that added salt will seduce your tastebuds into wanting more and more. Just a couple of these sandwiches a week - and you will be packing on the pounds!

For those of you who LOVE the McRib, but want eat healthy, here's an alternative. This is a delicious sandwich you can make at home. Yes, this recipe does include a packaged product, Morningstar Farms Hickory BBQ Riblets. However, when you compare the ingredients, THIS  is the better choice. Give it a try. I know you'll love it.

2 teaspoons butter, margarine or Earth Balance Vegan Spread, softened

1 clove garlic, minced

4 (1/2-inch-thick) sliced sourdough bread

1 package (10 oz.) MorningStar Farms® Hickory BBQ Riblets

2 slices pepper jack cheese or Vegan alternative, halved diagonally

2 lettuce leaves

2 thin slices red onion, separated into rings

DIRECTIONS
1. In small bowl stir together butter and garlic. Brush 1 side of each bread slice with butter mixture. Place, buttered side up, on baking sheet. Set aside.

2. Cook MORNINGSTAR FARMS HICKORY BBQ RIBLETS according to package directions. Top each riblet portion with two half slices of cheese. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

3. Meanwhile, broil bread slices 4- to 5-inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly toasted, turning once. Top buttered sides of two bread slices with lettuce, riblet portions and onion. Top with remaining slices of bread, buttered sides down. Cut into halves. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!!