Lentil-Walnut Burgers with Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce

Lentil-Walnut Burgers:

3/4 cup toasted walnuts, cooled
1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3/4 cup lentils, cooked, drained, and cooled
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg (I'm not sure what can substitute this. It is used to make the mix stick together in order to form patties)


Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce:

3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (I think soy yogurt will work well with this)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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INSTRUCTIONS:

Lentil-Walnut Burgers

In a food processor, combine walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; process until finely ground. Add lentils and 1 tablespoon oil; pulse until coarsely chopped (some lentils should remain whole).

In a large bowl, whisk egg. Add lentil mixture; mix well. Divide into 4 equal-size parts; roll into balls, and flatten with the palm of your hand into 3/4-inch-thick patties.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add burgers; cook over medium-low heat until crisp and browned, turning gently with a thin-edged spatula, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Per serving (without sauce): 460 calories; 28.9 grams fat; 18.7 grams protein; 35 grams carbohydrates; 13.6 grams fiber


Yogurt Cilantro Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, cilantro, and lemon; season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4 | Prep time: 40 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

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MY PERSONAL NOTES:

- I added a small amount of flax seeds to the food processor.
- I added a small amount of flax seeds, finely chopped green pepper and finely chopped mushroom to the sauce. Add to your own discretion. Easy on the salt..the cilantro is really strong!
- If you can't find corinander, use cilantro as an excellent substitution.

Enjoy! Ideas on egg substitutions for this recipe are welcome :D

LINK TO RECIPE SITE:
http://www.pbs.org/everydayfood/recipes/lentil_walnut.html