Lentil, Bean & Walnut Patties

A herbed, hearty and simple addition to any Thanksgiving plate!

Prep & Cooking: 20-30 minutes (depending on the size of your food processor)
Makes: 8-10 patties or around 30 balls
Pairs well with: Fall Menu Plan

Main Ingredients:
1 can (540ml/19 fl oz.) lentils or 2 cups cooked lentils
1 can (540ml/19 fl oz.) white beans or 2 cups cooked beans
1 medium onion, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1 ½ cups rolled oats, divided into 1 cup and ½ cup amounts
½ cup walnuts
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup chopped red pepper (optional)

Seasonings/Spices:
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp sage
1 tsp rosemary
*you can also use 3-4 tsp poultry seasoning, this blend easily available and contains a number of classic thanksgiving flavours and no poultry)
½ - 1 tsp dry mustard, or 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
3-10 drops liquid smoke (optional)

Method:
In a food processor or blender, combine walnuts and 1 cup of oats. Use a pulse function if your machine has it to break down the nuts and oats until a crumbly mixture similar to bread crumbs forms. Remove this mixture from the processor, and set aside.

Combine all remaining ingredients in your blender or processor, except the remaining ½ cup of oats and blend until smooth. Depending on the size and power of your blender or processor you may need to do this in batches; don’t worry about evenly distributing the ingredients while you do this as it will all be mixed together at the end.

A few lumps or pieces of celery, onion, or bean may remain and that’s ok. Remove the bean and lentil mixture from your blender or processor and in a large mixing bowl add the nut and oat mixture along with the remaining ½ cup of unprocessed rolled oats. Stir to combine.

Line a cutting board, plate, or baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Form lentil and bean mixture into patties in whatever shape you like; try to keep them around 1/2” thick. Alternatively, you can roll the mixture into balls, keeping them around 1- 1 ½”.

Stove Top:
Over medium heat in a large large skillet, warm 1 tbsp of oil and place patties or balls in pan and cook 3-5 minutes per side.
Patties and balls should be crispy outside and warmed through.

Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or shallow baking dish with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning once midway through.

Serve these patties with your favourite Holiday side dishes. If you have any left, use these in a traditional "Thanksgiving leftovers" sandwich!