Friday, June 17, 2011
New Love...Lentil Burgers...
Yesterday was, indeed, a good day. I have really been working on believing I have the power to make good days by focusing on the positive. Not that you have complete control, but focusing on the positive is a way better approach that complaining about the negative, right Heather? I mean really, I have an incredible little family, I'm surrounded by family now and we are living by the lake. Tony, Jay, Max and I all went swimming at the lake after lunch yesterday. We all got our daily dose of vitamin D and had some laughs. We are all healthy, so seriously, these are the things I need to focus on...

We went to dinner Wednesday night over to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's house. They had another couple over with their kids too. It was a lot of fun. I am definitely going to enjoy doing things like this more often. They cooked out burgers and hot dogs, so I decided to throw together some bean burgers. Luckily, I had picked up some beans from the store the day before. We had some crazy storms come through that night, so with no light, I didn't get any pictures.


There were a few left over so I got some shots of the leftovers on a salad! Confession, I ate three that night. I've made lentil burgers before, but I used my favorite method without making things complicated and they are officially my new favorite! I was made fun of quite a bit for making bean burgers since people here love their meat, but when Max got one instead of a meat burger (which he hates ground beef), they let up and tried a taste of one...and liked it! I think some people have a hard time understanding that it's my choice not to eat meat, but I'm ok with them eating meat and enjoying it. I just prefer to fuel myself differently. Again, it's my choice. Anyway, these burgers really were my easiest recipe yet since they use lentils, which cook in no time!


I love the consistency too. They are not mushy at all. I love a good firm bean burger with a little texture to it.

Lentil Burgers
(makes 8)

1 cup lentils
4 cups water
1 1/2 cups quick oats
3/4 cup salsa
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Place the lentils in 4 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until done. Poor off excess water. Allow to slightly cool. Next add oats through pepper to the lentils and mix thoroughly. Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely. When ready to make, scoop out about 1/2 cup servings, form into a patty and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, flipping after 30 minutes.


This is the view that I ate this beast of a salad. Seriously, how could that be bad? 

Are you a positive thinker or do you dwell on the negative? I used to get really overwhelmed by the negative, but have really worked hard the past year to focus on the good in life. I can't change everything, but the things I do have control over are how I perceive things. Everything is relative and really it's the little things that count. I hope you all have an incredible weekend!

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posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 9:44 AM  
33 Comments:
  • At June 17, 2011 at 9:49 AM, Blogger Heather Iacobacci-Miller said…

    This makes me smile today. So happy you are really getting to "enjoy" all of those incredible things in your life. How could you not be happy at the lake??? ;-) And those lentil burgers look incredible. I have got to make some more veg burgers to freeze this weekend. I hope you have another great day!!!!

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 10:02 AM, Anonymous Estela @ Weekly Bite said…

    I couldn't agree you more! Its so important to focus on all the positive we have in our life.

    And whats not to love about those lentil burgers! YUM :)

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 10:24 AM, Blogger LizNoVeggieGirl said…

    Amen. I'm definitely and FINALLY starting to be more positive - life is too short to be negative all the time.

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 11:17 AM, Anonymous Holly @ The Runny Egg said…

    I tend to dwell on the negative - it is something I have to actively work on: being positive!

    I love the looks of these burgers!

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM, Anonymous Cait's Plate said…

    I try NOT to be a negative dweller. Whenever I catch myself doing it I try to turn it around as quickly as possible.

    Those lentil burgers look amazing by the way!

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 11:55 AM, Blogger Kelsey Ann said…

    thick- crunchy- hearty, i can just imagine the joy that would come from having one of these for lunch or dinner- and right in between a soft bun- AMAZING!! <3 reminds me of a crispy chicken sandwich for some reason (sans chicken) lol... YUM

    xoxo

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 11:57 AM, Anonymous Kristina @ spabettie said…

    I love the salsa in the burgers!! I will have to try these, they sound great.

    I'm so happy for you, being where you are now! Lake Life sounds perfect... and focusing on positive is too - it can really have a powerful impact on your day, and your life! My family is still dealing with a downer situation, and as much as I try to focus on positive, it hurts me to see someone very close to me in pain and kind of giving up. I try and try to change her focus and it is not working. with my own things to deal with, I am focusing on my own positives.

    Happy Friday!!

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 12:28 PM, Blogger Emily said…

    It sounds like things are amazing over there, Sarena! Its so nice to be surrounded by family and the lake!? Oh the lake!

    This looks like another amazing recipe - which kind of lentils did you use?

    I got the cookbooks on Wednesday!! Thank you so much. :)

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Anonymous Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty said…

    I love how easy these are!! :)

    I try to focus on the positive most of the time!! Some days it's challenging, but most things in life are good!! :)

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 1:23 PM, Blogger gfe--gluten free easily said…

    I'm so amazed that you moved so quickly and are mostly settled in, enjoying family dinners, etc. Way cool! And these burgers do look great. Love the color of them and that they are not mushy. :-)

    Shirley

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM, Anonymous Gina @ Running to the Kitchen said…

    I've made lentil loaves before but never turned them into burgers. Good idea :)

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 2:49 PM, Blogger Lisa said…

    These look great!

    I am definitely a positive thinker most of the time. I didn't used to be, and it took practice! Now, I am just in the habit of looking at the bright side whenever possible. It helps so much with how I feel throughout the day...

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 3:20 PM, Anonymous MelissaNibbles said…

    I'm a pessimist and have been my whole life. I've turned that around in the last year though. It's hard not to fall back into old ways of thinking, but as long as I'm trying, that's what matters.

    The burgers look delicious and your pictures came out beautiful!

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 4:51 PM, Blogger sara said…

    i'm going to have to try those lentil burgers very soon. love the inexpensive ingredients and i bet the salsa gives them a nice kick :)

     
  • At June 17, 2011 at 4:56 PM, Anonymous Madeline- Greens and Jeans said…

    You KNOW I'm all about the positive! It's amazing how just choosing to look at things in a certain way can make a huge difference!

     
  • At June 18, 2011 at 4:37 PM, Anonymous Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic said…

    A lentil burger sounds delicious! I've never actually cooked with lentils, but I will for something like this! I'd like to think of myself as a positive person and I agree with you, we all have control over how we perceive and react to things!

     
  • At June 19, 2011 at 8:54 AM, Blogger Simply Life said…

    oh I'm loving this idea! perfect for summertime!

     
  • At June 21, 2011 at 11:49 AM, Blogger Come Follow Me Portraits said…

    Lentil burgers - check! Only I made them with regular rolled oats (the quick oats probably would help with binding better and I made them a bit too thick (they rebelled at being flipped and a couple broke!). VERY tasty though! I love your recipes!

     
  • At June 22, 2011 at 7:22 AM, Anonymous Susan said…

    Just wanted to let you know I made these burger yesterday and they are awesome!

    I've had horrible luck with homemade veggie burgers but how could I resist a recipe with just three ingredients?

    Thank you Sarena and best to you and your family!

     
  • At June 27, 2011 at 10:24 AM, Anonymous Carolina @ Peas in a Blog said…

    I love lentils & have been looking for a good burger recipe, definitely giving these a try!

     
  • At June 30, 2011 at 9:50 PM, Anonymous sheelbeel said…

    I am constantly being told how good lentils are for you but haven't been able to find a yummy way to work them into my diet - my search has ended! These look wonderful - can't wait to make them!

     
  • At July 13, 2011 at 5:01 AM, Blogger Kombuchick said…

    really excited to try these burgers...its 500am here and i've got enough time to make a batch before work at 800a...this is going to be an amazing alternative to vegan 'meats' which, as a veggie girl I'm starting to see are not quite as healthy as they seem...

     
  • At August 21, 2011 at 11:29 AM, Blogger HEAB said…

    I actually bookmarked this recipe a while back, and I remember thinking I have got to make these, what a simple and delicious looking recipe. Have I made them yet? No. Why? I have no idea, but thanks for the reminder. :)

     
  • At September 25, 2011 at 9:32 PM, Blogger N.D. said…

    These look great. Love all the talk about positive thinking. I'm REALLY trying to work on that!

     
  • At September 25, 2011 at 9:36 PM, Anonymous Kombuchick said…

    I completely agree...I made some lentil burgers and they came out great! my new fav. Yesss I too am trying to remove negativity and manifest positivity in my life; to improve my overall outlook on life and self- esteem; its a long arduous process but I'm working on it!

     
  • At September 26, 2011 at 3:39 PM, Blogger tracey said…

    I have a quick question. I want to make these tonight but I was wondering what type of lentils you used. I have red and green. I know cooking times can vary! Thanks!
    Tracey

     
  • At September 26, 2011 at 4:40 PM, Blogger Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen said…

    Tracy, I use green. Let me know how they work for you!

     
  • At October 17, 2011 at 7:34 PM, Blogger Dena said…

    I made these lentil burgers for dinner tonight. SHAZAM! These things rock. The salsa adds just the right amount of spice. Loved them. Thank you!

     
  • At October 18, 2011 at 2:27 AM, Blogger heidileanne said…

    These look amazing! Can't wait to try them. Love your outlook on focusing on the positive. I need to do that more :)

     
  • At November 16, 2011 at 11:44 AM, Anonymous Francesca said…

    I made these lentil burgers and the flavor was spot on. However, I think the cook time is too long...they were very dry. I have been thinking about how to make them more juicy. Suggestions?

     
  • At November 16, 2011 at 1:29 PM, Blogger Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen said…

    Francesca, I would imagine making them thicker, adding water to make them wetter or cooking them less would make them juicier. Bean burgers can be tricky when it comes to temperatures and length of time you cook them. Let me know what you try and how it works!

     
  • At June 28, 2012 at 4:06 PM, Blogger Heather Iacobacci-Miller said…

    This comment has been removed by the author.

     
  • At February 8, 2013 at 3:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Thanks for the awesome recipe! I've added it to my personal home cookbook of favorites!

     
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Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen
Home: Atlanta, GA, United States
About Me: Lactose Challenged
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