LIFESTYLE NEWS - Looking for a hearty vegetarian option that's bursting with flavour? Look no further than these Smoky Mushroom Lentil Burgers with Avocado Salsa. 

Packed with earthy mushrooms, protein-rich lentils, and a hint of smoky paprika, these burgers are a celebration of plant-based goodness. 

Paired with a creamy avocado salsa and nestled between portobello mushrooms, they're a satisfying meal that will leave you craving for more. Plus, with a side of sweet potato fries and mayo, it's a complete feast for the senses. Get ready to elevate your burger game with this  

SAMFA Lentil & Mushroom Burger with Mushroom Bun

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Patty:

• 400g white button mushrooms 
• 2 x 400g tin brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• ½ red onion, 
• diced2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste  

Avocado salsa:

• 1 large ripe tomato, diced (or use a handful of colourful cherry tomatoes)
• ½ red onion, 
• diced 2 small-medium sized avocados
• ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves
• Juice of ½ lemon 
• Freshly ground pink peppercorns, to taste 
• Salt, to taste

To serve:

• 8 large portabello mushrooms
• 2 large carrots, peeled & peeled further into ribbons
• 2 cups mixed lettuce
• Sesame seeds
• Side suggestion-Sweet potato fries & mayo

Method:

For the patty:

1. Blitz mushrooms in a food processor until finely diced.
2. Add mushrooms to a hot pan with a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Cook out all of their water. 
4. Work in batches if necessary to not overcrowd the pan.
5. Scrape mushrooms into a large bowl.
6. Add the lentils to the dry hot pan and toast them until dry.
7. Add to the bowl of cooked mushrooms.
8. In the same pan add a fresh drizzle of olive oil and cook the onion until soft.
9. Add the garlic and paprika and cook for a minute until fragrant.
10. Add to the bowl of mushrooms and lentils.

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