Vegan Beet Burgers
Today we're diving into the vibrant world of Vegan Beet Burgers—a colorful and delicious plant-based option that even meat lovers will adore! These burgers pack a punch with earthy beet flavor, hearty lentils, and a sprinkle of spices. Make them for a barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or meal prep for the week. They're sure to brighten up any plate!
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized beets roughly 1 cup, grated - *substitution: you can use pre-cooked beets for quicker prep*.
- 1 cup cooked lentils green or brown - *substitution: you can use canned lentils for convenience (just drain and rinse)*.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs - *substitution: ground oats works too*.
- 1 small onion finely chopped - *substitution: shallots or leeks if you're feeling fancy*.
- 2 cloves garlic minced - *or 1 teaspoon garlic powder*.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free - *substitution: liquid aminos can work too*.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for that nice depth - *optional: you can skip this if you want it plain*.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin - *or curry powder for more flair*.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for cooking - *substitution: avocado oil or coconut oil also work*.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: lettuce avocado, vegan mayo, or your favorite burger sauce!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and toasty for our burgers!
- Grate the beets using a box grater or a food processor. It'll get a little messy, but embrace it! We want about 1 cup of grated beet goodness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated beets, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Mix until you have a firm mixture. You can use your hands; it’s way more fun!
- If the mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs until it holds together but isn’t sticky.
- Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties. Make them flat, so they cook evenly.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your patties. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Yum!
- Transfer them onto a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for an extra 10 minutes if you want them super firm.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings and enjoy the vibrant flavor blast!