Name: crispy sweet potato red lentil patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups cooked and mashed); 1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or GF blend); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular) + more for coating; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional); 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for frying

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups cooked and mashed)

1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or GF blend)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular) + more for coating

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

2–3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for frying

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel, chop, and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender (15-20 min). Drain well and mash smoothly in a large bowl.

2. 2. Cook Red Lentils: Rinse lentils. Cook with broth/water (15-20 min) until very soft. Drain excess liquid. Add to mashed sweet potatoes.

3. 3. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté diced onion in oil until soft (3-5 min). Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute. Stir into sweet potato-lentil mixture.

4. 4. Combine & Season: Add flour, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Mix thoroughly until firm enough to form patties. Adjust with more flour/breadcrumbs if too wet.

5. 5. Form Patties: Shape 1/4 cup mixture into 3/4-inch thick patties (8-10 total).

6. 6. Coat for Crispiness: Dredge each patty in extra breadcrumbs, coating evenly.

7. 7. Cook Patties: Heat 2-3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties in batches for 4-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

8. 8. Serve Warm: Transfer to paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties for easier handling. For maximum crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the pan. Baking option: 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once. Air fryer also works. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.

Author: Charlotte Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main course
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 patties
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 450
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 1.5
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 8
Protein: 12