: thought you might like to see this
: one because it is pretty versatile

: we use it for 'hamburgers' served in
: a bun with cheese, mayo and hummus

: or as a croquette, or stuffing
: balls... depending on size etc

: 2 cups water
: 3/4 cup dried red lentils
: 1 cup diced onion
: 1/2 cup finely diced carrot
: 3 garlic cloves chopped
: 2 cups chopped mushrooms
: 1 tsp dried marjoram ( I use oregano)
: 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
: 1 tblsp lemon juice
: 1 egg
: S+P

: combine water, lentils, bit of salt
: and bring to boil, then simmer 20
: min, drain really really well I
: usually squeeze them thoroughly in
: that strong kitchen paper. Too wet
: and they fall apart

: brown onion carrot garlic plenty of
: olive oil, add mushrooms herbs,
: saute till no liquid remains,
: season, add lentil, breadcrumbs,
: cool a bit then add the egg and
: make into patties or shapes as
: required

: cook in a little oil in frying pan 5
: mins each side - it does brown
: really quickly so be careful, but
: is nice to get the outside all
: crispy

: with this recipe, if the mix feels a
: little loose, I add some more
: breadcrumbs, or if it needs it an
: extra egg, its quite forgiving
: that way

: I have a little electric chopper so I
: chop the breadcrumbs first, then
: carrot then mushrooms, its so easy
: that way. I think the carrot needs
: to be very finely chopped If I
: didn't have my gadget I would
: grate it. The mushrooms I chop
: really fine too but I think it
: would be ok bigger if you like
: that texture. I do thinkn its the
: fineness that gives the flavour
: though, and that good saute before
: adding the breadcrumbs in

: wrapped in greaseproof paper the
: patties freeze well, but Ive
: always thawed them before cooking.
: Once cooked they don't mind
: waiting in a warm oven either.

: recipe indicates this makes 6
: patties...… mine varies depending
: how many extra bits Ive added on a
: whim, but they are better thinner
: I think then you don't get a
: sticky middle

: for vegetarian protein adding cheese
: on top, hummus, quinoa salad bumps
: up the protein a bit. Quinoa is a
: good brown but it is one that has
: some protein to it

: bet they would be nice with sage and
: onion as a turkey accompaniment
: too... maybe walnuts or pine nuts
: in

the recipe does say - and I have never done it which is why I forgot, but : Better be Proper! -

before shaping, chill the mix in the fridge for half an hour as it will firm it up a bit.