Carrot-Lentil Burger Bites

Ingredients

Carrot-Lentil Burger Bites

·         3 cups peeled and roughly diced carrots (roughly 4–5 large carrots)

·         1 cup split red lentils, rinsed

·         2 cups water

·         1 cup rolled oats

·         2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled

·         1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 teaspoon smoked paprika

·         1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or to taste

·         ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

·         Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

·         1 cup heaping stemmed and finely chopped kale

·         ¼ cup shelled hemp seeds (optional)

Garlic-Herb Tahini Sauce

·          ⅓ cup tahini

·         ¼ cup cilantro, tough stems removed

·         ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, tough stems removed

·         1 cloves to 2 garlic, smashed and peeled

·         2 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

·         ¼ cup coriander

·         1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

·         2 tablespoons water

·         ¼ teaspoon sea salt

·         Ground black pepper

Instructions

For the Carrot-Lentil Bites

1.    Steam the carrots until tender. While the carrots are steaming, add the rinsed lentils and water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender. If needed, add more water to keep the lentils submerged. Strain and set aside.

2.    Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper

3.    Add the steamed carrots, cooked lentils, ½ cup of the rolled oats, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is chunky and all ingredients are well incorporated, stopping to scrape down the sides halfway through.

4.    Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, and add the reserved ½ cup rolled oats, kale, hemp seeds, and coriander. Use a spoon to mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly dispersed. The mixture should be damp but able to hold its shape.

5.    Use a ⅓-cup measuring cup to scoop out the mixture. Form the mixture into a patty that is 1-inch thick and transfer to the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should roughly have 10–12 burgers. Bake the burger bites for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden-brown and they feel gently set but not firm.

6.    Remove from the oven and cool completely on the pan before moving. They'll continue to firm up as they cool.

 For the Garlic-Herb Tahini Sauce

Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until the sauce just begins to take on a soft green colour. The herbs should be very finely chopped. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To Serve

The patties can be enjoyed on their own, tucked into warm pita bread, or on bun. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g