Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a delicious, wholesome option perfect for any meal. Packed with warm spices and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 ripe avocado (for the sauce)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (for the sauce)
• 1 garlic clove (for the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for the sauce)
• Salt, to taste (for the sauce)
• 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed for the sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until soft and water is mostly absorbed. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix until the mixture holds together. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop the mixture and form into small patties. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Repeat in batches.
4. Step 4: In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and water until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Serve the patties warm, topped with or dipped in the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, chill the patties in the fridge for 15 minutes before frying.
• Use chickpea flour instead of regular flour to make the patties gluten-free.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the patty mixture for a spicy kick.
• Serve with a side salad or wrapped in pita bread for a satisfying meal.

Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy. The avocado cilantro sauce is best fresh but can be kept in the fridge for 1–2 days; stir well before serving and add more water if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. This is a healthier, oil-free alternative.

Can I use other types of lentils?

Red lentils work best as they cook quickly and break down nicely for binding. Other lentils might not achieve the same texture and may require different cooking times.

Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a delicious, nutritious vegetarian option perfect for a snack or light meal. Packed with protein and fiber from red lentils and natural sweetness from grated sweet potato, they are seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh cilantro. Pan-fried to golden perfection, they pair wonderfully with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, adding freshness and tang. This recipe is gluten-free when using chickpea flour and ideal for those seeking a wholesome, flavorful dish.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 patties 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Vegetarian, Mediterranean-inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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

1. Cook Lentils: Add the rinsed red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until the lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and allow the lentils to cool slightly.
2. Mix Patties: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, and flour or chickpea flour. Mix thoroughly until the mixture binds together well. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Cook Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop the mixture and form small patties with your hands. Place them in the skillet and cook each side for 3–4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Cook in batches as needed, adding more oil if necessary.
4. Prepare Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness with additional water if needed.
5. Serve: Serve the patties warm, topped with or dipped into the creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a refreshing complement to the crispy patties.

Notes

• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
• Make sure to drain lentils well to avoid excess moisture making the patties too soft.
• Use ripe avocado for the sauce to ensure creaminess and smooth texture.
• The patties can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking remaining batches.
• For vegan version, substitute yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Keywords: sweet potato patties, red lentil patties, vegetarian patties, gluten free patties, avocado cilantro sauce, healthy snacks, pan-fried patties, protein-rich vegetarian