Mushroom and Lentil Patty with Caramelized Onions
Earthy mushroom and lentil patties topped with sweet, slow-simmered onions for a hearty vegetarian meal. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs cremini mushrooms, brown lentils, medium yellow onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 2 medium yellow onions
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook lentils in 2 cups water for 20 minutes until tender; drain and set aside. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 8 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 2: Pulse 12 oz chopped mushrooms and 1/2 cup cooked lentils in a food processor until finely ground; transfer to a bowl and mix with 1/2 cup sautéed onion mixture, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp flour.
- Step 3: Form into 4 patties; heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook patties 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve with remaining caramelized onions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mushroom and Lentil Patty with Caramelized Onions take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mushroom and Lentil Patty with Caramelized Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cremini mushrooms from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mushroom and Lentil Patty with Caramelized Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mushroom and Lentil Patty with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mushroom and Lentil Patty with Caramelized Onions vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
