Lentil, Walnut, & Mushroom Burger!

I think I have a solution for when hubby tells me he really hates certain foods that are good for you ... grind them till they are unrecognizable and make into burgers! Everything is made better with burgers.
Yes the evil healthy wife has dominated this week, but don't worry the Butter Princess will probably return soon with a vengeance :) 

Doesn't the picture make you hungry though?  The only problem is I made the burger really too thick (I wanted to take a nice picture) and as soon as I took a bite it squashed out the sides of the bun a little.  Whoops!  So for the rest of the batch I made thinner patties and they were perfect.  We both enjoyed this even after I revealed what was in the burger.  Score one for the super-food burger!

Lentil, Walnut, & Mushroom Burger

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup dry lentils
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
•  1 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup whole grain oats
• 8 oz container of whole white mushrooms, cleaned
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp olive oil + 3 more for the pan
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1. Bring water to boil in a small saucepan.  Add lentils and lower heat.  Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.  In a small skillet saute the onions in 1 Tbsp olive oil till tender.  For the last 30 seconds stir in the fresh spinach and let them wilt a little. Set aside in a bowl.

2. In a food processor combine the walnuts, oats, mushrooms, vinegar, thyme, salt & pepper and pulse till thoroughly chopped (if you have small food processor like me you can just chop it all separate). Add the lentils and give just a couple more pulses so that some lentils are still whole. Add to the bowl with the onions and mix well.

3. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.  Form mixture into patties with your hands (skinny patties!) and cook on each side 7-8 minutes till brown & crispy.  Serve while still nice and hot.