Veggie Burgers For The Grill
Hearty vegan veggie burgers that hold up on the grill. Made with lentils, cremini mushrooms, and walnuts, with fennel and smoked paprika for a smoky, sausage-y warmth. Sturdy enough for the grill, with a rustic bite. Skillet directions included.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing
- 1 small yellow onion diced medium
- Salt
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 15-ounce can lentils, rinsed and drained, or 1½ cups cooked lentils
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
To serve:
Instructions
- Preheat a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick pan (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Heat the oil, then sauté the onion with a pinch of salt for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, fennel, smoked paprika, and a few grinds of black pepper and sauté until the mushrooms are cooked, 7 to 10 minutes.
- In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, puree the lentils with the tamari, water, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the mushroom mixture to the food processor along with ½ cup of the bread crumbs and pulse to combine. Do not puree smooth. Leave a little bit of texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ½ cup bread crumbs and the chopped walnuts and combine thoroughly. The mixture should hold its shape very well.
- Let the mixture chill and firm up for about 30 minutes before proceeding.
- Divide the burger mix into six equal portions. Form the portions into patties.
- Grill method: Lightly grease the grill and preheat to medium-high. Brush each burger with a little olive oil and cook on each side for about 5 minutes. The grill marks should be dark and the burgers should feel very firm.
- Skillet method: Preheat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Brush each burger with a little more oil and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until a firm crust has formed and the burgers feel very firm to the touch.
- These burgers taste great right off the grill, but they can also sit at room temperature and be lightly reheated on the grill if needed.
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