Lentil & Quinoa Burgers Sliders

These delicate, yet delicious burgers are great as burger sliders. Dress them up in a variety of ways. This recipe uses pesto mayo, avocado, arugula, sliced tomato and sliced red onions and were served with a side of sweet potato fries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry lentils

• 3 cups broth or water

• 1 t salt

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 1 T tamari or soy sauce

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• Spices: salt (1 t) and pepper (1/2 t), onion and garlic powder (1/2 t each), cumin (1 t), chili powder (1/2 t) or to taste

• Olive oil

For Sliders:

• Pesto mayo- mix 1 T pesto with 3 T mayo (vegan or regular)

• Mini burger buns, arugula, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, sliced avocado

Directions:

1. Rinse and drain lentils and place in boiling broth, or water (add salt if desired) Simmer for 45 minutes. Then are done when liquid is absorbed and they are soft and easily smashed

2. Sauté onions and carrots

3. Mix cooked lentils, veggies, tamari, quinoa and spices in a bowl, smashing lentils

4. Form mix into 3-4 inch round patties, place on cookie sheet lined with parchment.

5. In a cast iron, or non-stick frying pan, heat 1 T olive oil and fry lentil, about 5 minutes on each side, flipping carefully as they are delicate

6. Assemble with buns and toppings

Variations: try a Mediterranean burger with tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, tomatoes and feta as burger toppings