Crispy Sweet Potato Red Lentil Patties (Printable Version)

Golden patties of sweet potato and red lentils, pan-seared until crispy and served with a zesty avocado cilantro cream.

# What You'll 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
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
17 - Salt, to taste
18 - 2-3 tablespoons water

# How to Make It:

01 - Add red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until lentils are soft and most water is absorbed. Drain excess water and let cool slightly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, cilantro, and flour. Mix thoroughly until mixture holds together. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to bind.
03 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. With damp hands, scoop portions and shape into small patties. Cook in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
04 - 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 creamy, pourable consistency.
05 - Serve patties warm, topped or dipped with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They are incredibly budget friendly and use pantry staples you probably already have
  • The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful center that feels like comfort food
  • You can make them ahead and they reheat beautifully for busy weeknights
02 -
  • The mixture needs that resting time or the patties will fall apart in the pan, so do not skip that step
  • Damp hands are your secret weapon for shaping without the mixture sticking everywhere
  • Do not crowd the skillet or the patties will steam instead of getting that golden crust we want
03 -
  • Grate the sweet potato finely so it cooks through completely and blends seamlessly with the lentils
  • Get your oil properly hot before adding the patties, that is the secret to the crispy exterior
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