Ingredients
- water to cover
- 1 cup dried lentils
- ½ cup wheat germ
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green chile pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, divided
Why This Recipe Is So Flavorful
Chef Tips
- Press the mixture firmly when shaping the patties to help them hold together.
- Allow the patties to cook on one side until golden before flipping to avoid breaking.
Step 1
Pour enough water into a pot to cover the lentils and wheat germ, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the lentils and wheat germ, lower the heat, and let everything simmer gently until the lentils are soft—this usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it and add a bit more water if it starts to dry out. When the lentils are tender, take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, mash the mixture until it's thick and a bit chunky.
Step 2
Transfer the mashed lentils into a bowl. Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, mozzarella, egg, green chile, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into 8 burger patties.
Step 3
Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 4 patties at a time, frying them until they’re golden brown on both sides—around 3 minutes per side. Once done, repeat with the remaining oil and patties. Serve warm and enjoy!
