SPICED LENTIL-BROWN RICE BURGERS

Spiced Lentil-Brown Rice Burgers image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 lentil-brown rice burgers

Number Of Ingredients 19

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Ingredients

2/3 cup dried brown lentils
1/3 cup brown sushi rice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 onion, finely chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 cup thinly sliced Tuscan kale
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste
Kosher salt
4 pitas, tops trimmed
Shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and sliced pickles, for serving

Steps:

Make the burgers: Combine 2 cups water, the lentils, rice, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook until tender, 40 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, 10 minutes. If there is water left in the saucepan, cook, uncovered, until evaporated.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the kale, garlic, cumin, curry powder and allspice. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water and cook, stirring, until the liquid evaporates. Season with salt and pepper.
Pulse the oats in a food processor until finely ground with some coarse pieces. Add the warm lentil mixture and the vegetable mixture and pulse until combined but still chunky. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool. Form into four 4-inch patties (about 1/2 inch thick). Transfer to a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: Combine the lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl; let sit 5 minutes. Whisk in the tahini, 2 tablespoons water and the hot sauce, thinning with more water, if needed. Season with salt and more hot sauce to taste.
Preheat a grill to medium high. Brush the burgers with olive oil on both sides. Grill until well marked, about 3 minutes per side. Grill the pitas until warmed. Serve the burgers in the pitas with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles and the tahini sauce.