Description
These vegan patty melts are a mouthwatering plant-based twist on a diner classic featuring hearty lentil patties, creamy dairy-free cheese, and caramelized onions between golden, buttery slices of bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of vegan cheese
- 8 slices of whole grain bread
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- Optional: Sliced avocado
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix lentils, bread crumbs, walnuts, onion, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form into 4 patties and chill on parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet, caramelize sliced onions over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat skillet or grill pan. Cook patties 5 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. On non-buttered side, layer patty, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, and top with another slice (buttered side out).
- In a skillet, cook sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts. Press lightly with spatula.
- Remove from heat, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly cooked lentils for best texture. A dash of liquid smoke adds depth. Avoid overmixing to keep patties tender, and ensure your skillet isn’t too hot to prevent burning before cheese melts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan patty melt, plant-based sandwich, lentil burger, vegan comfort food