Grilled Lentil Burgers

Ingredient Spotlight

Panko breadcrumbs

Panko are Japanese-style breadcrumbs made from crustless white bread that’s processed into large, airy flakes; they crisp up much lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. They originate in Japan and are commonly used for frying and breading, producing a very light, crunchy coating. You can find panko in the Asian section or the breadcrumb aisle of most grocery stores, or at Asian markets. Good substitutes are regular dry breadcrumbs (for a denser crust), crushed saltine crackers or cornflakes, or homemade torn-bread crumbs toasted briefly to dry.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked paprika

Smoked paprika (Spanish pimentón) is a ground red pepper powder that’s been smoked over oak, giving it a distinctive smoky, slightly sweet flavor and deep red color; it’s a staple in Spanish cuisine. The aroma is smoky and earthy rather than fiery hot (there are sweet, hot, and bittersweet varieties). You’ll find it in the spice aisle or the international/Spanish foods section of supermarkets and at specialty spice shops. If you don’t have it, substitute regular sweet paprika plus a small pinch of cayenne or smoked salt, or use a little chipotle powder or a drop of liquid smoke to add smokiness.