Having a barbeque? Trying to satisfy the various dietary requirements of your guests especially those eco-vegetarians?  Well, have no fear.  Take out your food processor and make the most delicious vegetarian burgers ala Stewart, Martha Stewart. This is in our never ending quest to bring you the most scrumptious meatless burger recipes out there so that you can enjoy this on a Meatless Monday or any other day of the week. This Spicy Lentil-Walnut burger is Mediterranean-inspired, so if you enjoy those flavors chances are you will love this .Plus they are packed with healthy lentils and walnuts – how can you go wrong? The yogurt-cilantro sauce is optional and can be served on the side. Who knows – that might just become your new signature secret sauce.

INGREDIENTS
Burger:
3/4 cup toasted walnuts
1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup lentils, cooked, drained, and cooled
1/4 cup grated onion  
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg
4 large pitas
Spicy-Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce (for serving – see recipe below)
Sliced avocado (for serving)
Cherry tomatoes, halved (for serving)

Spicy-Cilantro sauce:
3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Instructions
Burgers
In the bowl of a food processor, combine walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; process until finely ground. Add lentils, onion, and 1 tablespoon oil; pulse until coarsely chopped (some lentils should remain whole).
In a large bowl, whisk egg. Add lentil mixture; mix until well combined. Divide into quarters; roll into balls, and flatten with the palm of your hands into 3/4-inch-thick patties.  Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add burgers; cook, turning once, over medium-low heat until crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve burgers in pitas with sauce, avocado, and cherry tomatoes

Spicy-Yogurt Cilantro Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, cilantro, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.

Watch the video over at marthastewart.com

Both the burger and spicy-yogurt cilantro sauce recipe serve four and can be multiplied easily for a group. This recipe would be great for a summer gathering as it’s light and satisfying.  You can have the burgers on pitas and top them with avocados, cherry tomatoes, spicy-yogurt cilantro sauce and any other of your favorite toppings as part of a DIY burger bar. So not only is this a perfect Meatless Meal the entire family will enjoy it could also be a fun addition to a summer party.  Enjoy!

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