Lentil Burgers

1/2 onion, peeled and chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 fresh green chili, seeded and chopped, if desired

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 3/4 cup canned lentils, drained

Oil for shallow frying

1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 egg, beaten

Fry the onion in oil, covered, for 5 minutes.  Add the garlic, chili, and ground coriander, then cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in the lentils.  Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to the lentil mixture along with the salt and pepper, mashing the mixture with a spoon or potato masher so that it holds together.

Divide the mixture into four and form into flattish burger shapes.  Dip the burgers first in the beaten egg, then in the 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.  Fry them until they are crisp and brown; they will need about 3-4 minutes per side.  Drain well on paper towels.

Serves 2 to 4.

From Vegetarian Fast Food by Rose Elliot, with some changes