Tahini acts as the savory binder in these satisfying lentil burgers, another win for vegans or others looking for an egg-free patty. Look for steamed, vacuum-packed lentils in the grain aisle for the best texture in the burgers, or cook your own: Simmer 1⁄2 cup brown lentils in 4 cups water for 20 minutes or until just tender, then drain well. The pickled cabbage is a zingy, colorful, crunchy contrast to the earthy burgers. We add another tahini hit in the yogurt spread; double the spread and dollop over a roasted beet salad or serve as a veggie dip. 

Ingredients

    • 2 cups finely shredded red cabbage (about 5 1/2 oz.)

 

    • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

 

    • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

 

    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

 

    • 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided

 

    • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

 

    • 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste), well stirred and divided

 

    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

 

    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 

    • 8 ounces precooked lentils (about 1 1/3 cups)

 

    • 1/2 cup grated carrot

 

    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

 

    • 3 tablespoons plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt

 

    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

 

    • 1/2 small garlic clove, grated

 

    • 2 teaspoons water

 

  • 4 (1 1/2-oz.) whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted

How to Make It

Step 1

1. Combine cabbage, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; let stand 20 minutes. Drain; stir in sesame seeds.

Step 2

2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes.

Step 3

3. Place remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons tahini, cumin, pepper, and lentils in a mini food processor; pulse 4 to 5 times or until coarsely chopped. Combine cooked onion, lentil mixture, carrot, and cilantro in a bowl. Divide and shape lentil mixture into 4 patties (3 ounces each).

Step 4

4. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in pan over medium-high. Add patties; cook 4 minutes on each side.

Step 5

5. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons tahini, yogurt, juice, and garlic in a bowl. Stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until sauce reaches desired consistency. Spread yogurt mixture over cut sides of buns; top bottom halves with patties, cabbage, and top halves of buns.