Spiced Sesame-Lentil Patties

There are plenty of variations on legume-based patties out there, but this recipe for a spiced sesame-lentil version is my favourite among those I’ve tried so far. You could easily serve these as proper “burgers” on a nice fresh bun, but this first time around I opted to serve them sans-bun to get a full sense of their flavour and texture. With some Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice and a dash of cumin on top and a simple spinach salad with Dijon vinaigrette on the side, I was more than satisfied!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Put the lentils in a pot with 2 1/4 cups water and the bay leaves; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes before draining and removing the bay leaves.
2. In another large saucepan, sauté the onion for two to three minutes in one tablespoon of the oil. Stir in the ginger, cayenne pepper, sesame seeds, oats, cumin, turmeric, and parsley. Stir in the lentils.
3. Use a hand blender to mix until all ingredients are amalgamated, then add the lemon juice and salt. Stir in the oats.
4. Shape the mixture into about 12 patties
5. Heat the other tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and cook the patties for two to three minutes per side, or until golden and heated through.

Simplify, Substitute, Make it Your Own!

You can always mix up the spices, or if you prefer, go with breadcrumbs instead of the oats. The yogurt with cumin and lemon juice is yummy but optional (and I just winged it in terms of measurements– add what you like “to taste”); of course the meal is no longer vegan if you go with this. I’m sure you could also come up with lots of different condiments to try with these, whether on burger buns or on their own. Enjoy!