SMOKED CHEDDAR & LENTIL BURGERS

SMOKED CHEDDAR & LENTIL BURGERS image

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup dried lentils
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
2oz shredded smoked cheddar cheese
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
4 tsp stone-ground mustard
4 sandwich buns, toasted
4 slices tomato
1 cup trimmed arugula

Steps:

Place first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until tender; drain. Discard bay leaves. Place lentils in a large bowl; partially mash with a potato masher. Cool slightly. Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot; sautÃ© 5 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly. Add onion mixture, cheese, and next 8 ingredients (cheese through egg whites) to lentils; stir well to combine. Cover and chill 45 minutes. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat a grill pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add patties, and cook 5 minutes on each side or until done. Spread 1 teaspoon mustard on top half of each bun. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun, and top each serving with 1 tomato slice, 1/4 cup arugula, and top half of bun.