Vegan Lentil Burger

Shop Ingredients

• 1 cup La Preferida Lentils, uncooked
• 6 cups water
• 1 tsp salt

( or substitute above 3 ingredients with 2 cups cooked lentils)

• 4 Tbsp olive oil (set aside 1 Tbsp)
• 2 Portobello mushroom caps (cleaned, diced)
• 2 Tbsp onion, diced
• 1 pkt La Preferida Organic Taco Seasoning
• 2/3 cup La Preferida Salsa Verde
• 4.5 Tbsp tapioca flour
• 5-6 vegan burger buns

Easy sauce idea:  1 cup Vegan mayo + chopped red onion + chopped cilantro. Mix well and spread on bottom bun. Top with lentil patty.

How to cook the lentils:

1. Rinse and sort lentils. In a large pot, combine lentils, water, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat, uncovered.
2. Once cooked, drain well. Allow to cool on a large surface such as a baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels.
   Note: Moisture will prevent patties from holding their shape. Spreading the lentils out will help them cool faster.

Making the patties:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine 3 Tbsp olive oil and mushrooms. Cook for approx 2 minutes. (Mushrooms will absorb most of the oil.)
2. Adjust to med-low heat. Add onions. If pan seems dry, add more oil. Stir for approx. 1 minute.
3. Mix in lentils and taco seasoning. Stir for 20-30 seconds. Add salsa verde and combine well.
4. Remove from heat and cool down by spreading out mixture on baking sheet.

Tip: For a quicker cooling period, place lentils in a fridge or freezer for 10-15 minutes. You want the mixture cold if possible.

5. Place lentils in a large bowl and taste for seasoning. Add more if needed.

6. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp at a time of tapioca powder into the lentil mixture. Make sure it is evenly distributed. If the mixture seems too loose, add more tapioca (1 Tbsp at a time.)
Note: The amount of tapioca will vary depending on how well the lentils are drained.

Cooking the patties:

Notes before cooking: Patties should be added to the pan immediately after preparing or prepared the day before and refrigerated prior to use.
A large non-stick pan is essential to prevent patties from breaking. A heat-resistant spatula is also ideal.
Leave enough room in the pan to easily flip the patties and prevent steaming.

1. In a large pan over low heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Form patties into a flattened shape (slightly smaller than a tennis ball).
2. Place in a large pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Lentils should feel slightly firm when done.
3. Place on a bun and garnish with toppings.