Recipe courtesy of Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/lentil-burgers-with-lemon-basil-mayonnaise-recipe-2102620
Ingredients
Burgers:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large shallots, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 button mushrooms (about 4 ounces), finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup frozen petite green peas, thawed
Two 15-ounce cans lentils, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons egg-free mayonnaise, such as Vegenaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Mayonnaise:
1 cup refrigerated egg-free mayonnaise, such as Vegenaise
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Zest of 1 large lemon
Twenty-two 1/2-inch-thick-slices country-style bread
1 avocado, seeded, peeled and thinly sliced, optional
2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
Directions
Step 1: For the burgers: Heat 1/4 cup of the oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Add the shallots, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are soft, 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Blend the peas and 1 can lentils until smooth in a blender. Transfer the pureed peas and lentils to a medium bowl. Add the remaining 1 can lentils, 1/3 cup cornmeal, mayonnaise, lemon juice and the mushroom mixture. Form 1/3-cupfuls of the mixture into eleven 3/4-inch-thick slider patties.
Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup cornmeal on a baking sheet. Place the burgers on top of the cornmeal. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cornmeal on top of the burgers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil over medium heat in the skillet. Cook the burgers until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side.
Step 5: For the mayonnaise: Mix the mayonnaise, basil and lemon zest until smooth in a small bowl.
Step 6: Working in batches, place the bread in the skillet and cook until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. The bread can also be grilled or toasted in an oven.
Step 7: Smear the mayonnaise on the bread and top with the lentil burgers. Serve with avocado if using, tomato, lettuce and top with the remaining the bread slices.
