Chicken & Lentil Burgers

I've been on a special diet lately -- mainly because I am allergic to something and it's been a long process to figure out what exactly it is.  Point is: my cooking has been pretty boring lately.  I have found some things that I've never tried though that I really do enjoy.  In a way, it's broadened my horizons, which is never a bad thing.  One of the things I've really started to like is lentils, plus they're great for you!

In a large skillet heat one teaspoon of oil over medium high heat.  Add chopped onion and cook until lightly golden, around 7 minutes.  Add cumin to the onions and cook until fragrant.  Transfer to a large bowl, and wipe out skillet with a paper towel.

I bought ground chicken breast from Whole Foods for this recipe, and you can find it at most grocery stores now.

In a bowl, add chicken, lentils, breadcrumbs, eggs, cilantro, salt and pepper to taste.  With your hands mix until combined into 4 patties.  

The meat is pretty tender and won't be as solid as a real hamburger, but you can work with it just the same.  In a skillet head 2 teaspoons of oil over medium.  Add patties and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 8-10 minutes.  

Serve on muffins with your desired toppings.  I used whole wheat thin muffins and just had mustard with it.  It was very tasty, the texture will take a little getting used to, but I really enjoyed this meal.  It fills you up very fast and is only around 350 calories -- not bad for a burger! :)

Chicken and Lentil Burgers

Adapted from Everyday Food Magazine

Serves 4

3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced small

1/4 teaspoon cumin

3/4 pound ground chicken breast

1 can, 15 oz lentils, rinsed and drained

3 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

4 muffins or buns

whatever toppings you like

In a large non stick skillet heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium high heat.

Add onion and cook until golden, around 7 minutes.

Add cumin, and cook until fragrant.

Transfer to a large bowl, and wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.

In the same bowl add the ground chicken, lentils, breadcrumbs, egg, cilantro, and salt and pepper to your taste.

Mix with your hands until it's thoroughly combined, and form 4 patties.

In the skillet, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add patties and cook through and golden brown, 8-10 minutes, flipping once.

Serve over muffins or buns, and with whatever toppings you desire.

Enjoy!