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
