You Just Can’t Beat a Burger

Sometimes, you just want a delicious burger. Loaded up with your favorite toppings, this American classic is a favorite among meat-eaters and plant-eaters alike. In searching for a healthy plant-based burger, some processed options leave much to be desired. There are times when I reach for plant-based meats, but other times I enjoy creating something a bit different. These vegan mushroom lentil burgers are the result of that creative thinking and adaptation of a few different recipes.

I adapted several recipes I found online to create this recipe. Once I’d experimented, I found this to be the most satisfying of the bunch. Nom nom nom–plants!

Lovely Lentils

If you’ve eaten lentils, you probably have images of some kind of soup. But lentils are transcending soup and showing up in a variety of foods, from pastas and breads to chips, crackers, and more. These tiny round legumes are not only versatile, they are healthy and provide a significant source of protein as well.

Lentils come in brown, green, red, yellow, black, and variations in between. Each variety has a slightly different taste and texture. Brown and green lentils hold their shape well and hold up to all kinds of soups, salads, casseroles, and other dishes. Red and yellow lentils tend to disintegrate easier and therefore make excellent thickeners for stews and sauces.

Health Benefits of Lentils

  • Lentils contain beneficial polyphenols. Polyphenols protect the body and fight against free-radical damage. These micronutrients are also great for heart health and may even protect against diabetes.
  • With 18 grams of protein per 1-cup serving, lentils provide a great source of plant-based protein.
  • They also contain significant amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid.
  • With more than four times as much fiber as raw kale, lentils are loaded with beneficial fiber. Consuming more fiber and nutrients found in a plant-based diet can protect against developing diabetes and may even be a viable means of treatment for diabetics.

How to Add Lentils to Your Diet

Lentils have a mild flavor that picks up seasonings well. Try them in a variety of soups, stews, and salads; mix them into casseroles; or mash them into patties in these Vegan Mushroom Lentil Burgers!

Make it a Meal

No burger is complete without a side of Extra Crispy French Fries or Onion Rings!