Smoked Cheddar And Lentil Burgers - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups water
1 cup dried lentils
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
8 teaspoons stone ground mustard
8 whole wheat hamburger buns (each bun should weight 2 oz.)
8 tomatoes, slices (1/4-inch thick slices)
2 cups trimmed arugula

Preparation

Add the first 3 ingredients to a saucepan; bring to a boil.
Cover, lower heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until tender; drain.
Throw out bay leaves.
Transfer lentils to a large mixing bowl; partially mash with a potato masher; cool slightly.
Add oil to a medium nonstick skillet; heat over medium-high heat.
Add in onion and carrot; stir/saute for 5 minutes or until tender; cool slightly.
Add onion mixture, cheese, and the next 8 ingredients to the lentils; stir to mix well.
Cover and chill for 45 minutes.
Divided mixture into 8 portions; shape each portion into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
Heat a grill pan coated wtih cooking spray over medium-high heat.
Add half the patties; cook for 5 minutes on each side or until done.
Repeat with remaining patties.
Spread 1 teaspoon mustard on the top half of each bun; put 1 patty on the bottom half of each bun; top each serving with 1 tomato slice, 1/4 cup arugula and the top half of bun.