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Vegetarian Burgers for When Meat is Pricey
When meat prices soar, these flavorful vegetarian burgers are a delicious and budget-friendly alternative that won’t leave you missing the beef. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
◷50 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥MediumDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Simmer Lentils and Wheat Germ
Start by filling a pot with enough water to cover the lentils and wheat germ, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the lentils and wheat germ, lower the heat, and let everything simmer gently until the lentils are soft—this usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it looks too low. When the lentils are tender, take the pot off the heat and let it cool down a bit. Then, mash the mixture until it’s thick but still a little chunky.
2
Mix and Shape Patties
Transfer the mashed lentils to a bowl, and stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, mozzarella, egg, green chile, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors come together, then shape the mixture into 8 even patties.
3
Cook Patties Until Browned
Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties in batches, about 3 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Add more oil as needed when you cook the second batch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These patties are a great way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without relying on meat. They are packed with flavor and texture, making them perfect for anyone looking to eat more plant-based foods or save money. Plus, they cook quickly and are easy to customize with your favorite spices and toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these patties on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce. They also go well with avocado slices and pickles. For a lighter option, enjoy them over a bed of greens or inside a whole wheat wrap.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to keep them from drying out.
