Red Lentil Curry Burgers with Mango Chutney Mayo

These burgers are really delicious and healthful.  The key to keeping a veggie burger from crumbling is to bake it first for about 20 minutes, then to finish it either in the oven, in a skillet or on the grill.  This recipe makes about 12 burgers and they can be frozen for future use.  I spread them out on a cookie sheet and pop in the freezer, then when they are completely frozen put them in a ziploc bag and store for up to 3 months in the freezer.  

This recipe can also be made into a loaf or in a 9" square baking dish, cooked for about 10 minutes longer.  Then you can cut it into cubes or slices and add to salads, or serve on whole grains.  Makes about 12 3" diameter burgers (perfect for sliders). 

1 cup dried lentils
2 cups water
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 cups chopped onions
5 cloves garlic minced
1 Tbsp ginger minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup red pepper, small diced
1 cup mushrooms, small diced
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup toasted cashews
1 T lemon juice

Mango Chutney Mayo
1 part Mango Chutney
2 parts Veganaise or Lu's mayo
mix together


Preheat the oven to 400 degree's.  Rinse the lentils, drain and put them in a small saucepan with the water and turmeric and bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium low and simmer until the lentils are soft and have absorbed the water, about 20 minutes.  Stir often and remove lid during last 5 minutes or so if the water doesn't appear to be getting absorbed, pour off any excess as necessary after cooking before adding to the mixture.

Heat a saute pan over medium high heat add the onions, garlic and ginger and cook until the onions start to turn opaque and become soft, don't burn the garlic. Add bell pepper and mushrooms and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until these veggies begin to soften, the add about one tablespoon or more of water to keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.  Add the remaining ingredients along with the lentils and heat through and mix well.  Set aside to cool and make your mayo and prepare your burger fixin's.

Work the mixture into patties and place on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes, turning once at about 15 minutes.  If finishing in the oven leave them in for an additional 5 minutes to firm up or finish them on the grill or in a skillet to nicely brown the outside edges.