A hearty vegan BBQ lentil burger topped with quick and easy creamy coleslaw is a perfect summer meal! Serve in a bun or over a crisp salad. (nut-free with options for gluten-free and soy-free)

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5
  • Category: Burger, dinner, lunch, Main, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Patties

  • 3/4 cup split red lentils
  • 2 cup water
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 inch knob of ginger
  • 1/4 cup chopped red or orange bell pepper

To Flavor the Patties

  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (use soy-free, if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion flakes (or powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons flaxmeal
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free, if needed)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)

Burger Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons bbq sauce
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Method

Make the burger patties.

  1. Wash the lentils and add to a pan with water, garlic, and salt. Cook over medium heat, partially covered, for 14-16 minutes or until cooked or al dente. Drain and add to a bowl
  2. Add the cauliflower, ginger, garlic, carrot, and peppers to a food processor. Process to make a finely chopped meal.
  3. Add the veggie mixture to the lentil bowl. Add in the spices, bbq sauce, flax seed meal and sesame seeds and mix in. Then fold in the breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons flour. Mix and let sit for for a few minutes. Check if the mixture isn’t too wet. When you press it, moisture shouldn't leak, and it shouldn't feel wet and sticky. Add more flour, if the dough is too wet. Shape into patties.
  4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl mix the bbq sauce, hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon or oil or water. Set aside.
  5. To bake: place the burgers on parchment lined sheet. Brush with glaze. Bake at 400° F/200º C for 20-25 minutes. Once the center is set, glaze again and remove from oven. Once baked, these patties can be grilled quickly for grill marks, if you like.
  6. To pan fry: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add oil, and reduce the heat to medium once hot. Place the burger patties in the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown. Glaze one side and remove from skillet

Assemble the lentil burgers.

  1. Serve in a bun with your favorite burger toppings, like lettuce, tomato, onion, or creamy slaw. Or, serve these over crisp greens for a satisfying summer salad!

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.