Chipotle Lentil Burgers

I think the worst vegan food I've ever had was a Boca burger. After I tried one of these cardboard-flavored pieces of processed soy last summer, I decided to never buy veggie burgers again but to instead make my own.

The Chipotle Lentil Burgers from Appetite for Reduction was my first attempt. A puree of lentils, sauteed veggies, spices, bread crumbs, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, these burgers sounded fabulous. But they were between "just okay" and "good."

I like the smoky chipotle flavor, but that's pretty much all I could taste. I couldn't taste even a hint of the cilantro that I sauteed with zucchini, garlic, and red onion, nor could I taste anything lentil-like. Too bad.

The texture was the other thing I didn't think was great. They were difficult to keep together even pan frying, and when they were done, the outside was only the slightest bit firm and the inside was mushy.

I might make these again using less chipotle peppers. I'd also make them smaller--they were so huge, they were twice the size of my bun. But I'll probably try other recipes first.