Lucky lentils herald New Year's meal

(Red lentils in the snow spell out a holiday wish)

Certain foods are believed to bring good luck for the new year, such as lentils in Italy and long noodles for longevity in China.

I started making lentils for New Year's Day many years ago, and it has become a fun tradition in our house. Because the lentils look like little coins, it's said the more you eat the more fortune will come your way in the new year.

I don't need much of a reason to eat lentils — I love them in soups, casseroles, salads and burgers.

I had to work New Year's Eve, but figured I could quickly make some lentils when I got home.
I was pleasantly surprised to find when I did get home that night, my husband had already made a batch of lentils and was crafting some burgers for dinner. (Way to go, Babe!) He also made some smaller patties for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs, which was a great meal to kick off the new year.

So here's his recipe for a tasty meal any time of year. The lentils cook up quickly, and you can add whatever spices or vegetables you'd like to the mix. Make them all up and cook them, then freeze the burgers for a quick meal down the road.

Michael's New Year's Lentil Burgers

1. 1 1/2 cups brown lentils
2. Olive oil
3. 1 egg
4. Tamari
5. 1 cup breadcrumbs (maybe a bit more)
6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
7. 1 onion, diced
8. 2 large carrots, grated
9. Fresh parsley and coriander
10. Salt and pepper, to taste
11. Dash of paprika
    

• Pick over the lentils and wash them before putting in a pan with about 3 cups of water.
• Bring it to a boil and then turn down the heat to a simmer; cook for about 25 minutes until the water is absorbed and the lentils are tender.
• Transfer the lentils to a large bowl and let cool.
• While the lentils are cooking you can saute the garlic and onion in a little bit of olive oil.
• Add the carrot. Cook until lightly browned.
• Add about 1 tablespoon of Tamari.
• Add the chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper and paprika.
• Add the vegetable saute to the cooled lentils along with the egg and breadcrumbs.
• Let the mixture set a bit before shaping into burgers.
• Fry them in a skillet with a little olive oil.
  

Eat them as patties or dress them up as burgers on a bun with lettuce, tomato and red onion.
The mixture would also work as a loaf that can be baked in the oven in a bread pan.

May the new year bring us all good fortune and health — Buon Anno!