'meat's Too Expensive!' Vegetarian Burgers

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• water to cover
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green chile pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Ready Time: 50 mins


• pour enough water into a pot that will cover lentils and wheat germ; bring to a boil. add lentils and wheat germ, reduce heat, and simmer until lentils are tender, adding more water if needed, 20 to 25 minutes. remove pot from heat and cool slightly; mash lentil mixture until thick and lumpy.
• transfer mashed lentil mixture to a bowl. mix onion, green bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, egg, green chile pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper into lentil mixture until thoroughly mixed; shape into 8 patties.
• heat about 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. lower heat to medium-high and cook 4 patties in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. repeat with remaining oil and patties.