Crispy Sweet Potato Red Lentil Patties (Printable Version)

Golden crispy patties blending sweet potato and red lentils, pan-seared and served with creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Patties

01 - 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
09 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
11 - Olive oil, for pan-frying

→ Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

12 - 1 ripe avocado
13 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
14 - 1 garlic clove
15 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
16 - 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
17 - Salt, to taste
18 - 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin as needed)

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Add the red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain excess water and let the lentils cool slightly.
02 - 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 thoroughly until the mixture holds together. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the mixture to bind.
03 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. With damp hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape into small patties. Cook the patties in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
04 - For the sauce, combine avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add more water as needed for a creamy, pourable consistency.
05 - Serve the patties warm, topped or dipped with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the golden crunchy exterior and the tender spiced inside is absolutely worth the minimal effort
  • They reheat beautifully so you can make a batch on Sunday and eat them all week without any sacrifice in texture
02 -
  • Letting the mixture rest after mixing is the difference between patties that hold together and ones that crumble in the pan
  • Don't crowd the skillet, which causes steaming instead of that gorgeous golden sear
03 -
  • Press each patty firmly with the back of your spatula when they hit the pan for maximum surface contact and crispiness
  • Keep cooked patties in a warm oven while you finish the batch so everyone can eat together
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