Southwest Sweet Potato + Lentil Burger

After a week of not being in my house due to a city-wide natural gas issue (long story, trust me you don't want to know!) I finally got back into my house and my kitchen today. Its times like that that you really appreciate all that you have, and I became even more acutely aware of how much I love cooking. I actually MISSED being in the kitchen, and craved being creative with spices, flavors and meals.

Within about 3 hours of being home, and a trip to not one, but two grocery stores later, I got back to prepping something for myself for lunch for the week. This weeks agenda: Southwest sweet potato and lentil burgers. Perfect for meal prep, great protein from the lentils, a slightly subdued spice and for me this is a great option for lunch. Pop in the microwave for 30-60 seconds to heat back up and I'll throw on a salad or in a wrap.

I steamed in the microwave one medium sized sweet potato and two medium sized carrots. While those cooked (about 5 minutes) I prepped some green lentils. I made about just under a cup so that I had enough for this recipe but also a little extra for other meals I may make this week. Once these were prepped, I turned the oven to 375 degrees.

In your food processor, gently pulse the lentils, sweet potato and carrots. I also leave the skin on here for the potatoes for the added fiber benefits. Once its been lightly pulsed, you can add in the remaining ingredients: ground flax, salt, pepper, dried minced onion, cumin, red pepper flakes and cilantro. You may need to adjust your ground flax (or breadcrumbs if you don't have flax) depending on how big your carrots and sweet potato are. If its a little dry, add a tablespoon of water until consistency holds together, and similarly, if too wet add additional tablespoons of the flax. Once combined, form into burger patties and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes and rotate halfway through. Serve immediately or keep in the fridge for up to one week.

Southwest Sweet Potato + Lentil Burgers (V/GF)

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes if you are cooking lentils then. If you have pre-made lentils, prep time around 10 minutes.

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium baked sweet potato (about one cup)

• 2 medium steamed carrots

• 2/3 cup cooked green lentils

• 2 tablespoons ground flax

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 cup cilantro

• pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions

1. If you have not steamed carrots/potatoes or prepped lentils - prepare now according to directions.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

3. Add lentils, potato with skin, and carrots into food processor. Pulse 1 minute.

4. Add in remaining ingredients until dough forms. Mold into burger patties and place on greased baking sheet.

5. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Serve hot or let cool and save for later.

xx

Rita