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Dinner recipe · from the recipe book

Smoky Pinto Lentil Burgers with Mushroom-Onion Topping

Hearty, smoky pinto-and-lentil patties with crisp edges, piled with savory caramelized mushrooms and onions in cool, crunchy romaine cups.

Smoky Pinto Lentil Burgers with Mushroom-Onion Topping

Ingredients

  • ½ cup100 gBrown or green lentils, dryrinsed
  • 1⅔ cups400 gWater
  • 1 can, drained277 gPinto beans, canned, drainedpatted dry
  • ⅔ cup50 gOld-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 large50 gEggsbeaten
  • 3 cloves9 gGarlicminced
  • 1¾ tsp4 gPaprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 tsp2 gGround cumin
  • ½ tsp3 gSalt
  • ½ tsp1 gBlack pepper
  • 4 cups sliced280 gWhite mushroomssliced
  • 2 medium220 gYellow onionthinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp30 gOlive oil
  • 2¾ tsp15 gBalsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp1 gDried thyme
  • 4¼ cups chopped200 gRomaine lettucelarge leaves separated
  • 1½ medium200 gTomatoessliced

Steps

  1. Put the brown lentils and water in a small pot, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until tender. Drain well and let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. While the lentils cook, heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.
  3. Add the mushrooms and thyme to the onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until browned and their liquid has cooked off. Stir in the balsamic, then move the topping to a bowl and wipe out the skillet.
  4. In a large bowl, mash the pinto beans and cooled lentils with a fork, leaving some texture. Stir in the oats, egg, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt and black pepper until the mixture holds together.
  5. Shape the bean mixture into 4 patties about 3/4 inch thick.
  6. Heat the remaining half of the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until crisp and browned, and the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Lay two or three romaine leaves for each burger, add a patty and tomato slices, and pile the mushroom-onion topping on top. Fold the leaves around and serve.

Check labels: Gluten-free when you buy old-fashioned rolled oats labeled gluten-free.

Contains: Egg. Some brands contain gluten.

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Saved in the Every Helping recipe book on October 24, 2026.

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