Greek Style Lentil Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these Greek Style Lentil Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce, a vibrant and wholesome twist on classic veggie burgers. Made with protein-packed lentils, aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, and the subtle sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, these patties are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Topped with a creamy, refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce—featuring Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice—each bite is a burst of flavor. Serve these delectable lentil burgers nestled in warm pita bread or burger buns, layered with crisp lettuce and tangy red onion slices for a complete meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Quick to prepare and ideal for vegetarians, these burgers are perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next casual gathering!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup (uncooked) Brown or green lentils
- 3 cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium (finely chopped) Onion
- 3 (minced) Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup (finely chopped) Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh parsley
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 medium (grated and squeezed dry) Cucumber
- 1 tablespoon (chopped) Fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 4 Pita bread or burger buns
- 4 Lettuce leaves
- 0.5 small Sliced red onion
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water. Place them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
While the lentils cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, egg, and fresh parsley. Mix well until the mixture holds together. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water; if too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
Shape the mixture into 4 patties. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess moisture), fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chilled lentil patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through.
To assemble, warm the pita bread or burger buns. Place a lettuce leaf and a lentil patty on each. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and sliced red onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2126 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.9 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 220 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 5588 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 303.7 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.6 g | 116% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.9 g | ||
| Protein | 92.5 g | 185% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 779 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 2588 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
