Name: Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free); Olive oil, for pan-frying; 1 ripe avocado (for the sauce); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (for the sauce); 1 garlic clove (for the sauce); 1 tablespoon lime juice (for the sauce); 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for the sauce); Salt, to taste (for the sauce); 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed for the sauce)

why make this recipe

Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy dish. These patties are not only packed with nutrients but also bursting with flavor. They make a great meal for lunch or dinner, can be served as an appetizer, and are perfect for those following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. Plus, they are easy to prepare and use simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.

how to make Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

Ingredients:

1 cup red lentils, rinsed
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
Olive oil, for pan-frying
1 ripe avocado (for the sauce)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (for the sauce)
1 garlic clove (for the sauce)
1 tablespoon lime juice (for the sauce)
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for the sauce)
Salt, to taste (for the sauce)
2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed for the sauce)

Directions:

Start by adding the red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix everything together until it holds together well. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop the mixture and form it into small patties. Cook each patty for 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat this step in batches as needed.
For the sauce, blend the avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and water in a blender or food processor until it’s smooth and creamy.
Serve the patties warm, topped or dipped in the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

how to serve Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

These patties can be enjoyed on their own, or you can serve them with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. The creamy avocado cilantro sauce adds a delightful flavor, making it a perfect dipping sauce to enhance your meal.

how to store Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

Once cooled, you can store the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pan-fry them again for a couple of minutes on each side until they are warm and crispy. If you have any leftover sauce, it can be stored in the fridge for about a week.

tips to make Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

Make sure the lentils are cooked well and not too watery to avoid soggy patties.
Adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add more cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
If you want the patties to be extra crispy, you can add a little more flour or try using panko breadcrumbs instead.
You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry the patties.

variation

If you want to give a twist to the patties, you can add some chopped spinach or kale for more greens. You can also use different spices like chili powder for a little heat or add grated carrots for extra sweetness.

FAQs

Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be cooked straight from frozen.
What can I use instead of red lentils?
You can substitute red lentils with green or brown lentils, but cooking times may vary. Make sure they are soft before mixing with other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, just make sure to use dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Patties with family and friends!