Why this beetroot burger works
- Juicy: beet keeps the patty moist.
- Holds together: oats and lentils bind it.
- Smoky: paprika and cumin give it a savoury depth.
- Fresh topping: clover sprouts add crunch.
Beetroot burger tips
- Wear gloves when grating beets to avoid pink hands.
- Squeeze the beet. Extra juice makes soft patties.
- Chill before cooking for firmer burgers.
Grow the sprouts
- Clover sprouts: soak 1 tablespoon of red clover seed for 4 to 8 hours, then rinse twice a day for 4 to 5 days. See the red clover seed guide.
- Lentil sprouts: soak lentils for 6 to 12 hours, rinse twice a day for 2 to 3 days. See the lentil seed guide.
A note on raw sprouts
The FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat raw sprouts, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook them.12 Pea shoots or sunflower microgreens make a lower-risk raw topping.
Serve with sprout slaw on the side.
Beetroot Burger With Clover Sprouts
Vegetarian · American
Ingredients
Patties
- 1 cup (about 120 g) sprouted lentils
- 2 medium beets (about 250 g), peeled and grated
- 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, or 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water for vegan
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil for cooking
To serve
- 6 burger buns
- 1½ cups (about 45 g) clover sprouts
- Sliced tomato, red onion, pickles
- Yogurt sauce, hummus or mayo
Method
- Simmer the sprouted lentils for 8 to 10 minutes until soft. Drain well and mash roughly.
- Squeeze the grated beet in a clean towel to remove extra juice.
- Mix the lentils, beet, oats, onion, garlic, egg or flax, and spices. Let it rest 10 minutes so the oats absorb moisture.
- Shape into 6 patties about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp outside and hot through.
- Serve in buns with clover sprouts, tomato, onion and sauce.
Notes
- To bake: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Too soft? Add a few more tablespoons of oats.
- Lower-risk topping: use pea shoots or sunflower microgreens instead of raw sprouts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you keep a beetroot burger from falling apart?
Squeeze out the beet juice, let the mix rest so the oats absorb moisture, and chill the patties for 15 minutes before cooking.
Can I make beetroot burgers vegan?
Yes. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.
Can I freeze beetroot burgers?
Yes. Freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment. Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes per side.
What are clover sprouts?
Sprouts grown from red clover seed. They look and taste similar to alfalfa sprouts: mild, fresh and crunchy.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
