Spicy Lentil Burgers

When people ask about my dietary choices, they often describe it as being 'super healthy', vegan, plant based, vegetarian or even flexitarian? I know by having labels it can sometimes limit choices (either subconsciously) personally I don't have a particular diet, but if someone was to put a gun to my head and asked me how to describe my diet, I would say balanced.

I love eating both meat substitutes, fish, the real deal- meat, tofu, I especially love Quorn. I never restrict my diet because of particular "label". Although I think becoming more plants based can have an empowering effects on the planet. Personally I would really struggle to go completely vegan, but that is just me.

Whilst being at university, now that I dictate my own food choices and shopping expenses I've came to notice that meat in particular are can become very expensive. This is why incorporating meat- less meals into my diet, I found to be important if I want to keep costs down. Finding protein that doesn't come from an animal I first thought it is quite tricky. But with thousands and thousands of people living on a vegan diet every day I was to accept this challenge!

Personally I love a burger just because I live a healthy lifestyle does not mean I will give up on foods I love and this includes burgers! Although buying mince, and even a mince substitute isn't the most ridiculous expense out there something that is a lot cheaper and probably something we all make a disgusted face.... lentils.

Lentils are incredibly high in protein I'll plans based incredibly cheap compared to me and makes a great burger! Introducing my student friendly meat -less spicy lentil burger.

Ingredients (makes 4) - 3/4 cups green lentils

- 1/4 oats blended (oats flour the same!)

- 2 garlic gloves

- 2 teaspoons paprika

- 2 teaspoons chilli flakes (less or more to taste)

- mixed herbs

- 2 eggs

- * 40g of unflavoured protein powder- OPTIONAL (probably not needed)*

Directions

1).Preheat oven to 200 degrees, place the lentils in a pan of boiling water and let sock for about 20-25 minutes on a medium heat (turning this to a high heat for shorter time does not make then taste nice!! do not make my mistake, I promise they're worth the wait).

2). Drain lentils and let cool.

3). Add in a mixing bowl the blended oats, garlic, herbs and lentils and mix to all seasoning is spreader evenly.

4). Add the eggs and again mix well.

5). Scoop mixed into burger shapes and place in a baking tray and put in the oven, this show take about 15 minutes maximum (turn burgers over around 6 minutes).

6). Serve hot with a bagel bun and tzatzik sauce for extra yumminess!

Happy eating

Honest and simple,

Simply Martha x

#Recipe