Lentil Goat-Cheese Burgers (Recipe-Revamp!)

Tell me the truth: have you been on the edge of your seat waiting for this post since yesterday when I told you there were some fantastic burgers coming your way? It’s ok if you weren’t. I don’t get that excited about burgers myself. Wait, that’s a lie. I do have a somewhat insane number of burger recipes around here, but none of them are made from beef and all of them have silly ingredients like peanut butter or tequila or dried cranberries. These are the kind of burgers that light my fire (or, grill.)

To go with the beet slaw from yesterday, I made a new and improved version of my lentil goat cheese burgers. Well, in all fairness, this might be another lie because I don’t remember the first version so well. But I’m telling the truth that these ones are a-maz-ing. The addition of balsamic vinegar and grated carrots really put these over the edge, creating an aromatic sweetness as they caramelize over the griddle. One final thing I loved about making these burgers: the two extra I got to put in the freezer for next time I feel like indulging my WSS.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever put in a burger?

Lentil-Goat Cheese Burgers
Printable Recipe

1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup dried lentils
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion (150gm)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large carrot, grated
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 ounces goat cheese
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (30gm)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1/4 cup egg substitute

Place lentils, water, and bay leaf in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, until lentils are tender. Remove bay leaf. If all of the water has not been removed, drain the lentils. Set aside and let cool.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions the onions, garlic, and carrot for 5-8 minutes, until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Add the balsamic vinegar, increase heat to let it reduce, and then set aside until lentils are done.

Combine the lentils, sauteed vegetables, and remaining ingredients in a food processor, and pulse several times to combine. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, or overnight.

Heat a skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray over medium-high heat. Divide the lentil mixture into four equal portions, and shape each portion into a patty. Place the patties on the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving Calories: 169.3
Total Fat: 4.7 g
Cholesterol: 6.5 mg
Sodium: 78.5 mg
Total Carbs: 25.6 g
Dietary Fiber: 9.5 g
Protein: 12.8 g

Update, 7/23/2010: Since we’re now in the middle of prime burger season, I am sharing these with HealthFoodLover’s Wholesome Whole Foods #9 Carnival. I can’t wait to see what other delicious, wholesome food posts emerge!

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82 Responses to “Lentil Goat-Cheese Burgers (Recipe-Revamp!)”

  1. 1

    quarterlifewellness — March 9, 2010 @ 1:01 pm Reply

    Girl you are GOOD!!I actually just had goat cheese for the first time on a pizza Sunday night. OMG that stuff is creamy and delicious. I can only imagine it in a burger. Need to make.

  2. 2

    Maria — March 9, 2010 @ 3:38 pm Reply

    I am loving this burger! Awesome recipe!

  3. 3

    Liz — March 9, 2010 @ 3:52 pm Reply

    I have made these before, and I loved them!

  4. 4

    The Cooking Ninja — March 9, 2010 @ 5:21 pm Reply

    Interesting burger πŸ™‚ I wonder if I can sell this to hub who is a meat eater but lover of goat cheese. πŸ™‚

  5. 5

    yumventures — March 9, 2010 @ 6:51 pm Reply

    Mmmm…amazing! I love the lentils in it! My Mom used to make lentils all the time, but I never have. Added to to-do list! I had pineapple on a burger once, which was pretty awesome!

  6. 6

    Mary, CookEatShare Author Support — March 9, 2010 @ 8:15 pm Reply

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  7. 7

    kermiefrg — March 9, 2010 @ 9:42 pm Reply

    Cara, I see your Passover post with baby eggplant on my Blogger follower, but I can't find it on your blog. I'd love to see any ideas for Passover, but I can't get to it. Help!Thanks,Lisa

  8. 8

    Cara — March 9, 2010 @ 9:47 pm Reply

    Hi Lisa, sorry for the confusion! I was working on that post in draft mode and had it scheduled for later in March, but stupid blogger published it accidentaly. No worries though, it will appear again in the week before Passover, along with plenty of other Passover-friendly meal ideas. Stay tuned!

  9. 9

    Gastronomy Gal — March 9, 2010 @ 10:40 pm Reply

    sounds like a good change from a normal burger!

  10. 10

    Tyler — March 10, 2010 @ 12:52 am Reply

    yum! i'm pretty obsessed with goat cheese and love the idea of a lentil burger. looks delish!!

  11. 11

    *Naomi* — March 10, 2010 @ 1:25 am Reply

    BOOKMARKING this recipe!! it sounds So good!

  12. 12

    Table Talk — March 10, 2010 @ 2:11 am Reply

    It's hard for me to tire of a good burger recipe. Your lentil burger with goat cheese sounds/looks fantastic!

  13. 13

    Lucia from Madison — March 10, 2010 @ 10:42 am Reply

    This looks and sounds wonderful. I will be at the edge of my seat until I have time to try this recipe!

  14. 14

    Shannon — March 10, 2010 @ 12:38 pm Reply

    these sound fantastic!! adding them to my to-make list, soon πŸ˜‰

  15. 15

    Jen — March 10, 2010 @ 2:49 pm Reply

    This looks great. Actually, I can't think of anything crazy I put in a burger. We made burgers with tomato and mozzarella once (mini mozz balls and cherry tomatos chopped in half) and also put basil in them, but we made them with beef and I think the beef overpowered them. I'd like to try them again with Turkey! Maybe I can "guest blog" them for you! Haha.

  16. 16

    Dawn — March 10, 2010 @ 4:30 pm Reply

    Oh my gosh, so light AND tons of fiber. I love it! Also, of course, anything with goat cheese is amazing. I can't think of anything too crazy I put in a burger. I usually love to make bison burgers and entered a contest once where another contestant had paired the meat with blueberries. Interesting.

  17. 17

    marla {Family Fresh Cooking} — March 10, 2010 @ 5:03 pm Reply

    What a well balanced fab burger. Love lentils & burgers. I would top a giant salad with this hunk a healthy protein!

  18. 18

    Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) — March 10, 2010 @ 5:26 pm Reply

    oh those look awesome! i need to get more into making burgers/patties and these look perfect!!!xoxo

  19. 19

    Allison — March 10, 2010 @ 11:03 pm Reply

    I love goat cheese, and I love making my own burgers – this recipe sounds fantastic!

  20. 20

    Nicole Chow - HealthyChow.com — March 11, 2010 @ 12:12 am Reply

    Fantastic recipe! I'm always looking for new ways to make non-beef and non-meat burgers. This is perfect! The lentils make this recipe hearty, but the goat cheese smooths it all out and gives it that decadent taste. YUM!The weirdest thing I've ever put in my burger? Hmmm, crushed Smart Bran cereal. It's not too crazy, but definitely not your standard filling!

  21. 21

    teresacooks — March 23, 2010 @ 2:41 pm Reply

    Made these last night. Possibly the best burger I've made. Really delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Your recipes really make me want to cook them – we must be on the same wavelength.

  22. 22

    Shanon — April 2, 2010 @ 4:51 pm Reply

    hi cara. i am planning on making these next week! so excited! questions: what is the reason for the egg substitute? is it just to make it healthier? can i use a regular old egg? and what is that sauce that you have on it? yum.

  23. 23

    Cara — April 2, 2010 @ 4:53 pm Reply

    Hi Shanon, the egg substitute is just to keep the calories down – you can certainly use a real egg. And we love these burgers simply with some honey mustard and spinach! Hope you like them πŸ™‚

  24. 24

    Michelle — July 23, 2010 @ 9:57 pm Reply

    Sounds amazing! I love the look of the crunchy beetroot salad- looks delicious!Thanks so much for linking up to Wholesome Whole Foods. (Please just make sure to link up to the blog carnival post rather than my home page, thanks.)

  25. 25

    Shannon — January 8, 2011 @ 1:44 am Reply

    Ooops, I made these last night and had trouble keeping them together… it's b/c i forgot about the egg! Still delicious πŸ™‚

  26. 26

    Cara — March 27, 2011 @ 3:07 am Reply

    Hi PM, I use regular brown dried lentils.

  27. 27

    PM — March 27, 2011 @ 3:07 am Reply

    Cara,What kind of lentils do you use for this recipe?

  28. 28

    Shannon — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Ooops, I made these last night and had trouble keeping them together… it's b/c i forgot about the egg! Still delicious πŸ™‚

  29. 29

    Michelle — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Sounds amazing! I love the look of the crunchy beetroot salad- looks delicious!Thanks so much for linking up to Wholesome Whole Foods. (Please just make sure to link up to the blog carnival post rather than my home page, thanks.)

  30. 30

    Michelle — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Sounds amazing! I love the look of the crunchy beetroot salad- looks delicious!Thanks so much for linking up to Wholesome Whole Foods. (Please just make sure to link up to the blog carnival post rather than my home page, thanks.)

  31. 31

    Cara — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Hi Shanon, the egg substitute is just to keep the calories down – you can certainly use a real egg. And we love these burgers simply with some honey mustard and spinach! Hope you like them πŸ™‚

  32. 32

    Shanon — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    hi cara. i am planning on making these next week! so excited! questions: what is the reason for the egg substitute? is it just to make it healthier? can i use a regular old egg? and what is that sauce that you have on it? yum.

  33. 33

    Shanon — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    hi cara. i am planning on making these next week! so excited! questions: what is the reason for the egg substitute? is it just to make it healthier? can i use a regular old egg? and what is that sauce that you have on it? yum.

  34. 34

    teresacooks — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Made these last night. Possibly the best burger I've made. Really delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Your recipes really make me want to cook them – we must be on the same wavelength.

  35. 35

    teresacooks — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Made these last night. Possibly the best burger I've made. Really delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Your recipes really make me want to cook them – we must be on the same wavelength.

  36. 36

    Nicole Chow - HealthyChow.com — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Fantastic recipe! I'm always looking for new ways to make non-beef and non-meat burgers. This is perfect! The lentils make this recipe hearty, but the goat cheese smooths it all out and gives it that decadent taste. YUM!The weirdest thing I've ever put in my burger? Hmmm, crushed Smart Bran cereal. It's not too crazy, but definitely not your standard filling!

  37. 37

    Allison — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    I love goat cheese, and I love making my own burgers – this recipe sounds fantastic!

  38. 38

    marla {Family Fresh Cooking} — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    What a well balanced fab burger. Love lentils & burgers. I would top a giant salad with this hunk a healthy protein!

  39. 39

    marla {Family Fresh Cooking} — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    What a well balanced fab burger. Love lentils & burgers. I would top a giant salad with this hunk a healthy protein!

  40. 40

    Dawn — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Oh my gosh, so light AND tons of fiber. I love it! Also, of course, anything with goat cheese is amazing. I can't think of anything too crazy I put in a burger. I usually love to make bison burgers and entered a contest once where another contestant had paired the meat with blueberries. Interesting.

  41. 41

    Jen — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    This looks great. Actually, I can't think of anything crazy I put in a burger. We made burgers with tomato and mozzarella once (mini mozz balls and cherry tomatos chopped in half) and also put basil in them, but we made them with beef and I think the beef overpowered them. I'd like to try them again with Turkey! Maybe I can "guest blog" them for you! Haha.

  42. 42

    Jen — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    This looks great. Actually, I can't think of anything crazy I put in a burger. We made burgers with tomato and mozzarella once (mini mozz balls and cherry tomatos chopped in half) and also put basil in them, but we made them with beef and I think the beef overpowered them. I'd like to try them again with Turkey! Maybe I can "guest blog" them for you! Haha.

  43. 43

    Lucia from Madison — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    This looks and sounds wonderful. I will be at the edge of my seat until I have time to try this recipe!

  44. 44

    Table Talk — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    It's hard for me to tire of a good burger recipe. Your lentil burger with goat cheese sounds/looks fantastic!

  45. 45

    *Naomi* — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    BOOKMARKING this recipe!! it sounds So good!

  46. 46

    Tyler — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    yum! i'm pretty obsessed with goat cheese and love the idea of a lentil burger. looks delish!!

  47. 47

    Tyler — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    yum! i'm pretty obsessed with goat cheese and love the idea of a lentil burger. looks delish!!

  48. 48

    Gastronomy Gal — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    sounds like a good change from a normal burger!

  49. 49

    Cara — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Hi Lisa, sorry for the confusion! I was working on that post in draft mode and had it scheduled for later in March, but stupid blogger published it accidentaly. No worries though, it will appear again in the week before Passover, along with plenty of other Passover-friendly meal ideas. Stay tuned!

  50. 50

    yumventures — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Mmmm…amazing! I love the lentils in it! My Mom used to make lentils all the time, but I never have. Added to to-do list! I had pineapple on a burger once, which was pretty awesome!

  51. 51

    The Cooking Ninja — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    Interesting burger πŸ™‚ I wonder if I can sell this to hub who is a meat eater but lover of goat cheese. πŸ™‚

  52. 52

    Liz — March 28, 2011 @ 8:37 pm Reply

    I have made these before, and I loved them!

  53. 53

    PM — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    Cara,What kind of lentils do you use for this recipe?

  54. 54

    Cara — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    Hi PM, I use regular brown dried lentils.

  55. 55

    Michelle — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    Sounds amazing! I love the look of the crunchy beetroot salad- looks delicious!Thanks so much for linking up to Wholesome Whole Foods. (Please just make sure to link up to the blog carnival post rather than my home page, thanks.)

  56. 56

    Nicole Chow - HealthyChow.com — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    Fantastic recipe! I'm always looking for new ways to make non-beef and non-meat burgers. This is perfect! The lentils make this recipe hearty, but the goat cheese smooths it all out and gives it that decadent taste. YUM!The weirdest thing I've ever put in my burger? Hmmm, crushed Smart Bran cereal. It's not too crazy, but definitely not your standard filling!

  57. 57

    Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    oh those look awesome! i need to get more into making burgers/patties and these look perfect!!!xoxo

  58. 58

    *Naomi* — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    BOOKMARKING this recipe!! it sounds So good!

  59. 59

    Gastronomy Gal — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    sounds like a good change from a normal burger!

  60. 60

    yumventures — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    Mmmm…amazing! I love the lentils in it! My Mom used to make lentils all the time, but I never have. Added to to-do list! I had pineapple on a burger once, which was pretty awesome!

  61. 61

    Liz — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    I have made these before, and I loved them!

  62. 62

    Maria — March 29, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    I am loving this burger! Awesome recipe!

  63. 63

    yumventures — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Mmmm…amazing! I love the lentils in it! My Mom used to make lentils all the time, but I never have. Added to to-do list! I had pineapple on a burger once, which was pretty awesome!

  64. 64

    The Cooking Ninja — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Interesting burger πŸ™‚ I wonder if I can sell this to hub who is a meat eater but lover of goat cheese. πŸ™‚

  65. 65

    Gastronomy Gal — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    sounds like a good change from a normal burger!

  66. 66

    Nicole Chow - HealthyChow.com — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Fantastic recipe! I'm always looking for new ways to make non-beef and non-meat burgers. This is perfect! The lentils make this recipe hearty, but the goat cheese smooths it all out and gives it that decadent taste. YUM!The weirdest thing I've ever put in my burger? Hmmm, crushed Smart Bran cereal. It's not too crazy, but definitely not your standard filling!

  67. 67

    PM — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Cara,What kind of lentils do you use for this recipe?

  68. 68

    Jen — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    This looks great. Actually, I can't think of anything crazy I put in a burger. We made burgers with tomato and mozzarella once (mini mozz balls and cherry tomatos chopped in half) and also put basil in them, but we made them with beef and I think the beef overpowered them. I'd like to try them again with Turkey! Maybe I can "guest blog" them for you! Haha.

  69. 69

    Liz — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    I have made these before, and I loved them!

  70. 70

    marla {Family Fresh Cooking} — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    What a well balanced fab burger. Love lentils & burgers. I would top a giant salad with this hunk a healthy protein!

  71. 71

    Allison — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    I love goat cheese, and I love making my own burgers – this recipe sounds fantastic!

  72. 72

    teresacooks — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Made these last night. Possibly the best burger I've made. Really delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Your recipes really make me want to cook them – we must be on the same wavelength.

  73. 73

    teresacooks — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Made these last night. Possibly the best burger I've made. Really delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Your recipes really make me want to cook them – we must be on the same wavelength.

  74. 74

    Cara — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Hi Shanon, the egg substitute is just to keep the calories down – you can certainly use a real egg. And we love these burgers simply with some honey mustard and spinach! Hope you like them πŸ™‚

  75. 75

    Shannon — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Ooops, I made these last night and had trouble keeping them together… it's b/c i forgot about the egg! Still delicious πŸ™‚

  76. 76

    Shannon — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Ooops, I made these last night and had trouble keeping them together… it's b/c i forgot about the egg! Still delicious πŸ™‚

  77. 77

    Shanon — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    hi cara. i am planning on making these next week! so excited! questions: what is the reason for the egg substitute? is it just to make it healthier? can i use a regular old egg? and what is that sauce that you have on it? yum.

  78. 78

    marla {Family Fresh Cooking} — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    What a well balanced fab burger. Love lentils & burgers. I would top a giant salad with this hunk a healthy protein!

  79. 79

    Shannon — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    these sound fantastic!! adding them to my to-make list, soon πŸ˜‰

  80. 80

    Table Talk — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    It's hard for me to tire of a good burger recipe. Your lentil burger with goat cheese sounds/looks fantastic!

  81. 81

    kermiefrg — April 5, 2011 @ 1:12 am Reply

    Cara, I see your Passover post with baby eggplant on my Blogger follower, but I can't find it on your blog. I'd love to see any ideas for Passover, but I can't get to it. Help!Thanks,Lisa

  82. Pingback: spiced curiosity | goat cheese sprouted lentil burgers

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