Lentil & Beetroot Burgers

These are meat-free burgers that actually hold together. Earthy beetroot, Puy lentils, and oats. Make a batch, freeze them uncooked, and you have a quick lunch ready to go.

Ingredients (Makes 4 burgers):

• 1 x 250g pouch of pre-cooked Puy lentils
• 1 small cooked beetroot (vacuum-packed is fine), grated
• 50g rolled oats
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• A little flour for shaping

Method:

• Mash the lentils roughly with a fork. Mix in the beetroot, oats, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• With floured hands, shape into 4 patties.
• Fry in a little olive oil over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, or bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20 minutes.

Why it's gut-friendly: Lentils and oats are prebiotic powerhouses. Beetroot is rich in fibre and antioxidants.