Lentils Are The Ingredient You Didn't Know You Needed For Protein-Packed Veggie Burgers - Tasting Table

"Veggie burgers sometimes get a bad rap - but not when they're made right. While there are tons of plant-based burger alternatives on the market these days, it's easy to make tasty and protein-backed veggie burgers with a simple ingredient you probably already have in the pantry: Lentils. The disk-shaped legume popular for its use in soups and stews can also really boost the taste, texture, and protein content of a plant-based burger."

"Typical veggie burger recipes often use black beans as the base for a hearty plant-based patty. However, black beans are quite fibrous and have a strong flavor. On the other hand, lentils are a little lower in fiber, which makes them relatively easy to digest. And they contain a bit more protein, too(1 cup of lentils contains about 18 grams of protein, compared to 15 grams of protein for the same amount of black beans)."

Lentils serve as a protein-rich base for veggie burgers, offering about 18 grams of protein per cup. Lentils are lower in fiber and have a subtler taste than black beans, making them easier to digest and more adaptable to varied spices and flavors. Combining lentils with black beans lightens dense patties while adding protein and textural contrast. Lentils cook quickly, can be used canned or cooked on the stovetop, and are typically affordable for pantry storage. Whole lentils can be mixed in for texture or blended smooth in a food processor for firmer patties.

Read at Tasting Table