Discover the ultimate plant-based delight with our Easy Pinto Bean, Broccoli, and Lentil Burgers! This recipe offers a unique blend of wholesome ingredients, creating a satisfying and incredibly flavorful vegan burger experience that’s completely soy-free. Imagine the hearty texture of pinto beans, the earthy goodness of lentils, and the vibrant freshness of broccoli, all seasoned to perfection and served in a patty that feels like a fiesta in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more delicious plant-based meals into your diet, these homemade veggie burgers are a must-try. They are fantastic served with classic toppings like fresh Pico de gallo, a fiery hot sauce, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, and even a dollop of vegan sour cream.
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Embrace the Flavor: Your New Favorite Plant-Based Burger
It feels like it’s been too long since we celebrated a new burger recipe, and what better way to re-enter the burger scene than with these truly fabulous Veggie Beany Lentil Broccoli Burgers? These patties are more than just a meal; they’re an experience, reminiscent of a delicious burrito encapsulated within a burger bun. And here’s the best part for parents or picky eaters: they cleverly hide some nutritious broccoli, making it a win-win for everyone! The beauty of these burgers lies in their simplicity and the harmony of their ingredients. We’ve focused on creating a robust flavor profile using straightforward components, allowing the natural goodness of the beans, lentils, and broccoli to shine through.
For serving, get creative! Pile them high on your favorite burger buns with a generous scoop of vibrant pico de gallo, a dollop of creamy guacamole, a refreshing vegan sour cream, a fiery dash of Tabasco, and perhaps a fresh side salad to complete the meal. Of course, they’re equally delightful served in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option. The versatility of this recipe also means you can easily customize it. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables of your choice, or swap out the pinto beans for other cooked beans like black beans or kidney beans to explore different flavor dimensions and textures.
These burgers are not just incredibly tasty, but they are also packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making them a fantastic healthy alternative to traditional meat burgers. Pinto beans contribute a creamy texture and significant protein, while red lentils add a delicate earthiness and bind the patties beautifully. Broccoli, a cruciferous powerhouse, sneaks in essential vitamins and minerals, boosting the nutritional value without compromising on taste. This combination creates a burger that is hearty, filling, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Expand Your Burger Horizons with More Vegan Favorites
If you love this recipe, you’ll be thrilled to know our blog is home to many other tried, tested, and loved vegan burger creations. Each recipe brings its own unique twist to the plant-based burger world:
- The famous Lentil Cauliflower Burger with Chipotle Habanero Mayo and Onion Rings offers a spicy kick and incredible crunch.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, our Spicy Chickpea Lentil Burgers are sure to please.
- Indulge in the sweet and savory with our delightful Sweet Potato Peanut Burgers.
- Experience a taste of the tropics with the BBQ Lentil Veggie Burger with Mango Carrot Slaw.
- And for a grill-ready option, don’t miss our Artichoke Spinach Cauliflower Bean Burgers.
These recipes demonstrate the incredible versatility of plant-based ingredients in creating diverse and exciting burger options. Each offers a different flavor profile and texture, ensuring there’s a perfect vegan burger for every craving and occasion. Exploring these recipes can inspire you to experiment further in your own kitchen, discovering new combinations and techniques.
Mastering the Art of Vegan Burger Making: Tips for Success
Creating the perfect vegan burger patty can sometimes be a challenge, but with a few simple tips, you’ll achieve delicious results every time. The key to a great veggie burger lies in the balance of ingredients and proper preparation. For these Pinto Bean Broccoli Lentil Burgers, ensuring the lentils are fully cooked and the excess moisture is drained is crucial. A drier base helps the patties hold their shape and develop a satisfying crust when cooked.
When mashing the beans and lentils, aim for a consistency where most of the pinto beans are mashed, but a few remain slightly chunky. This provides a pleasant texture without making the burger too mushy. The chilling step in the freezer or refrigerator is vital; it allows the ingredients to firm up, making the patties easier to handle and less likely to crumble during cooking. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
For binding, breadcrumbs, oat flour, wheat flour, or chickpea flour all work wonderfully. Start with the suggested amount and add more gradually if the mixture still feels too wet. The goal is a dough that is firm enough to shape into patties without being overly dry. When pan-frying, a little oil helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust, adding depth of flavor and a satisfying chew. If baking, ensure your oven is pre-heated to the correct temperature for even cooking. For an extra crisp texture, consider finishing them under the broiler for a minute or two on each side.
Pinto Bean Broccoli Lentil Burgers
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1/2 cup dry red/pink lentils, masoor dal
- ▢ 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- ▢ 1/3 tsp garlic powder
- ▢ 1/3 tsp salt
- ▢ 3/4 cup water
- ▢ 1 cup chopped broccoli, 1/2 inch (if using broccoli stems, remove tough stem and woody edges and chop them finely)
- ▢ 15 oz can of Pinto beans , or 1.5 cups cooked
- ▢ 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- ▢ 3/4 + tsp chipotle pepper powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- ▢ 1/2 tsp dried parsley , or 1 Tbsp fresh
- ▢ 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
- ▢ 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- ▢ a few drops of lemon juice
- ▢ 3 to 4 tbsp bread crumbs, or oat/wheat/chickpea flour
Instructions
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Wash the lentils thoroughly. Drain them well and add to a pan. Incorporate the chopped tomato, garlic powder, salt, and water. Partially cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the lentils to soften.
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Next, add the chopped broccoli to the pan and mix it in with the lentils. Continue to cook uncovered for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the lentils are completely tender and all the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once cooked, let the mixture cool slightly. If there is any excess water, drain it off.
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Transfer the cooked lentil and broccoli mixture, along with the pinto beans and all the spices, to a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly, then mash the mixture until most of the pinto beans are well-mashed and incorporated. Add the finely chopped red onion and a few drops of lemon juice, mixing well. Taste and adjust salt if necessary (the amount needed will depend on whether your canned pinto beans were salted, you might need an additional 1/4 to 1/2 tsp). The mixture will be soft at this stage. To help it firm up, chill it in the freezer for 15 minutes, or in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes.
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After chilling, add the breadcrumbs (or oat/wheat/chickpea flour) to the mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture is still too soft, add a little more binding agent, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Shape the mixture into uniform patties. You can use a cookie cutter for perfectly round burgers or simply shape them by hand. Pan-fry the patties with a little oil for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, for a baked option, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees F (200ºc). Bake the patties for 20 minutes, then flip them and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned.
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Serve your delicious Pinto Bean Broccoli Lentil Burgers hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, a cooling vegan sour cream or mayo, and a kick of hot sauce or Tabasco!
Notes
Nutritional values are provided based on one serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this recipe? Rate and comment below!
There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crafted homemade burger, especially when it’s as wholesome and flavorful as these Pinto Bean Broccoli Lentil Burgers. They offer a delightful alternative to traditional burgers, proving that plant-based meals can be just as, if not more, satisfying and exciting. With their simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and hidden veggie goodness, these burgers are bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and serving styles to truly make them your own. Happy cooking!
