Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
1 cup dry red lentils
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tangy Tahini Dressing:
1/4 cup tahini
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3–4 tbsp water
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place in a pot of cold salted water, bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender (15-20 mins). Drain thoroughly and mash until smooth. Set aside in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Cook the Red Lentils: Rinse lentils. Combine with 2 cups vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 mins until soft and liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid. Add to mashed sweet potatoes.
3. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté red onion for 3-5 mins until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 1 min more until fragrant. Add to the sweet potato-lentil mixture.
4. Step 4: Combine Patty Ingredients: Add cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly. Gradually mix in the flour until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
5. Step 5: Form the Patties: Divide mixture into 8-10 equal portions. Shape into round or oval patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Cook the Patties: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in batches (do not crowd) for 4-6 mins per side until golden brown and heated through. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
7. Step 7: Prepare the Tangy Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Gradually add 3-4 tbsp water, whisking until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency as desired.
8. Step 8: Serve: Serve patties warm, drizzled with tahini dressing and garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, chill the patty mixture for 30 mins before forming. To bake instead of pan-fry, place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway. Store cooked patties in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The dressing keeps separately for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Pan-fry (or bake option)
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
