L3Bs

L3Bs?? I had to get your attention and lentil, bulgur and bean burgers or, perish the thought, veggie burgers might dissuade all the naysayers.  I’m not a vegetarian by a long shot, but these are delicious.  Some days I throw in some mushrooms, too.  You can make these into patties or bake the mixture in a loaf pan.  You can even jump on the ‘cupcake’ bandwagon and bake them in muffin tins to serve as a side dish...I'll try not to judge you.  I just like mine topped with a little Greek yogurt and olive oil drizzle.  Yes, Sriracha works too, as it does with everything else these days.

¾ cup dried lentils, rinsed and picked over

¾ cup bulgur or quinoa

½ cup cooked black beans, fresh or canned

¼ cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine, found in the baking aisle)

½ large red onion, chopped

4 celery ribs, chopped

3 medium cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

½ cup Panko

2 large Eggs

Pinch red pepper flake

Olive oil

Salt

1. Bring 3 cups water, lentils, and 1 teaspoon salt to boil in medium saucepan over high heat; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until lentils are just beginning to fall apart, about 20 minutes. Drain off liquid and place in a large bowl.

2. While lentils simmer, bring 2 cups water, about 1/2 teaspoon salt and either bulgur or quinoa to a boil in saucepan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then cover and let stand off heat for another 15 to 20 minutes. Drain off any extra water. Transfer bulgur/quinoa to lentil bowl.  If using whole grain bulgur (Bob’s Red Mill brand, you’ll need to cook your bulgur a little longer.  Refer to cooking directions on label).

3. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until.  Test with a drop of water- if it pops, it's ready.  Add onions, celery, and garlic.  Cook until vegetables begin to brown, about 10 minutes.  Add beans and pumpkin and cook another 5 minutes.

4. Combine bulgur and lentils and vegetable-bean mixture. Transfer half of mixture to food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped (about twenty 1-second pulses). Transfer processed mixture to large bowl; repeat with remaining unprocessed mixture and combine with first batch. Stir in panko, salt, and red pepper flake to taste. Add eggs and mix thoroughly.

 

Loaf: Add mixture into greased loaf pan and bake at 350° for about 45 minuteds to 1 hr.  Top should be browned and loaf firm to touch.  Let cool 30 minutes before slicing.

Burgers:

Divide mixture into 12 portions, about 1/2 cup each and form into patties. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook burgers, 4 at a time, until well browned, about 4 minutes per side, lowering heat to medium if browning too quickly. Repeat with additional oil and burgers.

Enjoy some clean living (every once in a while).

MJM