Beetroot Lentil Burgers

These beetroot lentil patties combine the earthy sweetness of beetroot with the hearty texture of lentils and are gently spiced to enhance their natural flavors. When paired with a creamy tzatziki sauce and a crunchy salad, they make for a delicious meal or snack that is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Ingredients

(makes 9 small burgers (size of slider buns))

• 1 cup roasted beetroot grated (roasted for 35 mins)

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed egg

• 1 small-medium onion finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves crushed or finely chopped

• ½ cup almond flour

• ¼ teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Grind black pepper

• Pack of slider buns

Steps

1. Heat oil in a pan and add the onions once the pan is hot. Fry for 4-5 mins until the onion starts to brown and soften

2. Add the garlic and fry for another 1-2 minutes until it has softened with the onion. Remove from the heat and cool down

3. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5-3 tablespoons of water and leave for 10-15 mins

4. In a mixing bowl. add the grated beetroot, lentils cooled onion/garlic mixture, spices and the flax egg and mix

5. Add the almond powder 1 tablespoon at a time and mix until fully combined. Using your hands, check the mixture is not too wet or sticky, if it is then add more almond flour.

6. Prepare a baking tray lined with cooking paper. Take 1-2 tablespoons of the mix, roll into a ball and flatten into a patty and place onto the baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the mixture until the mixture is finished

7. Chill the patties in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

8. If you are baking the patties then preheat the oven to 190 C. Remove the patties, brush with oil on both sides and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the patties halfway through to ensure even cooking.

9. Alternatively, the patties can be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 195 C. Brush the patties oil on both sides and place in the air fryer for 6 minutes on one side, then flip the patties and cook for another 5 minutes.

10. If you are frying the patties, then heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Once the pan is hot place the patties in the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

11. Assemble the burgers with tomatoes and tzatziki and other fillings of your choice