There’s something magical about the aroma of crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties wafting through the kitchen, tickling your senses and making your taste buds dance. Imagine biting into a golden-brown patty, where the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes meets the earthy richness of red lentils, all harmonized with a dash of spices. It’s like a symphony for your mouth, bursting with flavors that make you want to do a little happy dance in the kitchen.
I remember the first time I made these crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties. My friends were skeptical at first, raising their eyebrows as I brought out a bowl of bright orange mixture. But after just one bite, they were singing my praises like I was the culinary rock star I always dreamed to be. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these patties are sure to impress anyone who dares to try them. So, hold onto your forks, because we’re about to embark on a flavor journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are incredibly easy to whip up, even on busy weeknights
- The delightful blend of flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- Their vibrant colors will brighten up your dinner plate and entice your guests
- They are versatile enough to serve as appetizers, snacks, or even alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal
I still chuckle every time I think of how my friend took one bite and exclaimed that these patties would turn even the most devoted carnivore into a veggie lover.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant sweet potatoes; they’re packed with natural sweetness that shines in every bite.
Red Lentils: Opt for split red lentils as they cook quickly and add a creamy texture to the patties.
Onion: A medium onion finely chopped adds savory depth; go for yellow or white for best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the flavor profile; don’t skimp on this aromatic delight.
Cumin Powder: This spice brings warmth and earthiness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for binding and an extra crunch; panko works wonderfully too!
Olive Oil: A drizzle will help achieve that perfect crispy exterior without compromising flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or parsley can brighten up the patties with freshness; it’s like nature’s confetti!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties
Get ready to roll up those sleeves because making these crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties is not only fun but also satisfying.
Cook the Lentils: Rinse one cup of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed lentils with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for about 15 minutes until soft but not mushy.
Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce two medium sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them unpeeled on a baking sheet for 45 minutes or until tender. The smell alone will have you drooling!
Mix Ingredients Together: Once cooled slightly, peel the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl. Add cooked lentils, one chopped onion, three minced garlic cloves, cumin powder, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and freshly chopped herbs.
Shape Into Patties: With damp hands (trust me on this), shape the mixture into small patties about 2-3 inches wide. You should get around 10-12 depending on how generous you are feeling today!
Sauté Until Golden Brown: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy—don’t be shy; flip them carefully!
Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer cooked patties onto paper towels to soak up any excess oil before serving hot! Pair them with yogurt sauce or avocado dip for an unforgettable experience.
Now you’ve got crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties that not only taste amazing but also look fabulous! Whether you’re serving them at dinner or sneaking bites while watching Netflix (no judgment here), these little nuggets of joy are destined to steal hearts—and stomachs!
You Must Know
- These crispy sweet potato & red lentil patties are not just delicious; they’re a healthy treat that everyone will love
- Perfect for meal prep, they freeze well and reheat like a dream
- Plus, the vibrant colors make them irresistible on any table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by cooking the lentils until tender, then mix in the mashed sweet potatoes and spices. Shape into patties before frying them in hot oil for that golden-brown crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. You can even swap out some spices to match your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again, or pop them in the oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid soggy patties, ensure your sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling
- Don’t skip chilling the mixture before shaping; it helps maintain form while cooking
- Always test one patty first; adjust seasoning before frying the entire batch!
I remember the first time I made these crispy sweet potato & red lentil patties for my family. They were skeptical at first but ended up devouring every last bite and asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes will work, but they won’t have the same sweetness.
How do I make these patties vegan?
These crispy sweet potato & red lentil patties are already vegan-friendly as is!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispiness.
Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties
Crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will excite your palate. The combination of naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes and creamy red lentils, enhanced with aromatic spices, creates a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Whether served as appetizers, snacks, or a wholesome meal alongside a fresh salad, these patties are sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500g)
- 1 cup split red lentils (200g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (100g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, combine with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake pierced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet for about 45 minutes until soft. Cool slightly, then peel and mash.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with cooked lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs.
- With damp hands, shape mixture into small patties (about 2-3 inches wide).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve hot with yogurt sauce or avocado dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties (90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, experiment with spices like paprika or chili powder. - These patties freeze well; store them in an airtight container for quick meals later.
