Walnut Lentil Burgers

I should just change this website to be cooking through Great Food Fast.  This is another amazing recipe from the Martha Stewart cookbook. I made these burgers last night for some friends. None of us are vegetarian but these burgers kick ass.  I served them with a side of sauteed zucchini and spinach. They are very filling and super healthy.

 Serves 4.

Ingredients:
3/4 c lentils
3/4 c walnuts
1 yellow onion
1/3 c breadcrumbs
(Note: I make my own breadcrumbs by toasting old bread and then chopping it finely in the food processor. They will keep for a while if you place them in a jar and freeze them. It beats adding store bought breadcrumbs which have 89 scary ingredients.)
2 t cumin
2 t coriander
1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes
freshly ground sea salt and black pepper
1 T extra virgin olive oil + more for frying
1 egg
3/4 c plain greek yogurt
2 T freshly chopped cilantro
1 T freshly squeezed orange juice (~ 1/2 orange)
1 tomato
4 brioche buns, toasted

1. Place lentils in a pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat so it is just simmering. Place a cover on it and cook for about 15 minutes until al dente. Lentils should be tender but not mushy. Then drain in a colander and rinse with cold water.

 2. Finely slice the onion. Carmelize over low heat in a little bit of olive oil. The onions should be cooked over low heat so that they become carmelized but not brown.

 3. While the lentils and onions are cooking, place the walnuts in a large frying pan. Toast the nuts over medium-low heat until brown. Be sure to shake the nuts up every few minutes to make sure they don't burn. Once brown, remove from heat and cool completely.

 4. In a food processor chop the garlic cloves. Then add the walnuts, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, 1 1/2 t sea salt, and 1/4 t pepper. Chop all ingredients until well combined. Add the lentils and 1 T of olive oil and pulse until combined. Do not over process as you want some of the lentils to remain whole.
5. Beat the egg in another bowl. Add the lentil mixture to the egg and stir until well combined. Then form the mixture into patties.

 6. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large frying pan. Saute the patties until brown on both sides.

 7. While the patties are cooking make the side sauce. Combine the yogurt, cilantro, and orange juice  in a bowl. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
8. Slice the tomato.
9. Serve the burgers on the toasted brioche buns, with the sauce, tomato, and carmelized onions on the side. Oh yeah, and some pork slap goes nicely as well!