Lentil Zucchini Burgers

Yesterday for lunch I made homemade Lentil Zucchini Burgers. They were hearty, healthy and packed with flavor. This recipe is a new favorite! I can't wait to try them again, maybe even replace the zucchini with mushrooms or add both! Oh yum.

As a vegan, I'm always looking to find new "meat" replacements that are made from plant-based ingredients and fortunately I've had wild success! Lentils work very well. I made this meal with love for my hubby Jerry. He has been diligently working on a new book of his, a project that has burned in his mind for 10 years, and finally submitted it for publishing. When his draft arrived yesterday he ran down the stairs like a child would on Christmas day! It was so cute! :) I couldn't help but make him a lunch to remember after all his hard work.
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Here is a sneak peek. I'm so proud of him, I can't help but share! I know it's not a vegan cookbook but he does include a chapter with insights on food.

Back to food! If you want a delicious burger than give this recipe a try, it's worth it, trust me! To begin take 1/2 chopped onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add 1 cup zucchini and 3 diced garlic cloves. Sauté with salt, pepper and thyme to taste for 3-5 min. Remove from heat. Place 1 cup pre-cooked lentils in a food processor and pulse leaving some lentils intact. Place in a large bowl with the zucchini mixture, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice and 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Mix well and form into patties.
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Tip: I use the top of a mason jar to help form a circular shape and then flatten from there. They will smooth out as you bake them. 

Add BBQ Sauce on top for added flavor! Bake for 20 minutes, flip and coat with BBQ sauce. Bake 15-20 minutes. Top with your favorites! I used mustard, sweet onion, fresh tomatoes, 1/2 of a jalapeño and a healthy drizzle of BBQ sauce.​

Proceed to top with another patty if you are very hungry!  (Note nutritional information reflects 1 patty)

Be happy, you saved a cow! Top with more tomatoes or avocado, whatever you please!

Lunch or dinner fit for a king! Or in this case an author! :)
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Here is the recipe. A big thank you to my sister Janelle for the thoughtful gift! Organization rocks!

Tip: Add "Egg" replacement for binding agent. I found this to be helpful. I used potato starch + cool water mixed well. Flax meal, Chia meal or Ener-G Egg Replacer would work fine as well.

*Preheat oven to 350˚

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Adapted from PPK