Description
These Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that combines tender red lentils, grated sweet potato, and aromatic spices. Pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, they make a perfect flavorful appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties
- 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
For the Avocado Cilantro Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Add red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and 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 them cool slightly.
- Prepare the patty mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to bind.
- Form and pan-fry the patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into small patties. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process in batches as needed.
- Make the avocado cilantro sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve the warm patties topped with or dipped into the creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a refreshingly flavorful complement.
Notes
- You can substitute chickpea flour for regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a vegan version, replace the yogurt in the sauce with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
- Make sure not to overcook the lentils to avoid a mushy texture in the patties.
- The patties can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking the remaining batches.
- These patties freeze well; freeze after cooking and reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian Fusion
Keywords: sweet potato patties, red lentil patties, vegetarian appetizer, avocado cilantro sauce, healthy snacks, pan-fried patties
