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- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup cooked red lentils (approximately 1/2 cup dry) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary) - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) Sweet potatoes bring a sweet and earthy flavor. Red lentils add protein and texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and give a nice crust. The green onions and garlic add a kick to the flavor. Cumin and smoked paprika deepen the taste. - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or substitute with vegan yogurt) - Salt to taste The avocado makes the sauce creamy. Cilantro gives a fresh taste, while lime juice adds zing. Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess. This sauce pairs perfectly with the patties. - Variations for gluten-free breadcrumbs: Use ground oats or crushed nuts. - Possible spices or herbs to enhance flavor: Try chili powder, coriander, or fresh parsley. These options let you customize your patties. You can make them your own with different spices or herbs. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, I take one medium sweet potato, peel it, and cut it into 1-inch cubes. I place these cubes in a medium pot and cover them with water. I bring the water to a boil and let the sweet potatoes simmer for about 15 minutes. They should be soft enough to pierce with a fork. After cooking, I drain the sweet potatoes and set them aside to cool briefly. Next, I mash the cubes in a large mixing bowl. I use a fork or a potato masher for this. I aim for a smooth and creamy texture. It is important to let the mashed sweet potatoes cool completely before moving on to the next step. This helps the mixture blend well with the other ingredients. Now, it’s time to mix the pattie ingredients. In the bowl with the cooled mashed sweet potatoes, I add 1 cup of cooked red lentils, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Then, I add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. I mix everything well, using a spatula or my hands. It is key to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. This way, every bite will have a burst of flavor. For cooking, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. I wait until the oil is shimmering, then carefully place the patties in the skillet. I cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they are golden brown. Next, I flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. This timing helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. The crispy outer layer really enhances the flavor and texture of the patties. To make sure your patties stay firm, you need good binding agents. Here are some options: - Breadcrumbs: They help hold everything together. - Mashed Sweet Potatoes: They create a smooth base that binds well. When shaping your patties, keep these tips in mind: - Wet Your Hands: This helps prevent sticking. - Compact the Mixture: Press firmly to shape each patty. You can choose different cooking methods for the patties. Here’s how they stack up: - Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for an even cook. - Frying: This method gives you a crispy texture. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. - Air Fryer: For a healthier option, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange patties in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes. No extra oil needed! Enhance the flavor of your patties with these spices: - Curry Powder: Adds warmth and depth. - Chili Powder: For a kick of heat. - Fresh Herbs: Like parsley or dill can brighten the taste. For serving options, consider these sauces or dips: - Avocado Cilantro Sauce: This is refreshing and creamy. - Tahini Sauce: Adds a nutty flavor. - Sriracha or Hot Sauce: For those who love spice! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and ripe avocados make a significant difference in flavor. Always opt for the freshest produce you can find to elevate your dish. Adjust Seasoning: After blending the avocado cilantro sauce, taste and adjust the salt and lime juice according to your preference. A little extra acidity can really brighten the flavors. Chill the Sauce: For a refreshing twist, refrigerate the avocado cilantro sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Make Ahead: The sweet potato and lentil mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Form and cook the patties just before serving for optimal crispiness. {{image_4}} For a vegan option, you can easily swap out the Greek yogurt. Use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond. They add creaminess without dairy. If you want to replace eggs, try ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water. This mix helps bind the patties well. Feel free to mix things up with different veggies. Zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers work great. Adding these can change the flavor and texture of your patties. You can also swap the red lentils for other legumes. Chickpeas or black beans can give a nice twist. They offer a different taste while keeping the patties hearty. These patties shine when paired with a salad. A light cucumber and tomato salad adds crunch and freshness. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. If you have leftovers, try them in a sandwich or wrap with fresh greens. They also make a great snack when reheated. To keep your leftover patties fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked patties. For uncooked patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked patties, let them cool and store in airtight containers. They will last up to three months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Batch cooking is a great way to enjoy these patties all week. Make a double batch and freeze half. Store sauces separately in small containers in the fridge. They stay fresh for about a week. This way, you can enjoy quick meals without extra prep. To add heat, mix in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Start with just a pinch. You can also use hot sauce in the avocado cilantro sauce. Try a teaspoon for a mild kick or more for extra heat. Remember, balance is key! Yes, you can prepare them ahead. Form the patties and place them on a tray. Cover them and refrigerate for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. These patties pair well with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. Consider a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a yogurt dip or a spicy salsa for added flavor. Yes, they can be gluten-free! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check the label on your breadcrumbs, as some may contain gluten. This makes them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. In this post, we explored making tasty sweet potato red lentil patties. We covered ingredients, from sweet potatoes to sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking. You learned tips to keep patties from falling apart and cooking methods for health. Remember, these patties are versatile and pack flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients, try new spices, and serve them with fun sides. With these ideas, you can create delicious meals that everyone will enjoy.

Sweet Potato Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Delicious and nutritious patties made from sweet potatoes and red lentils, served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup cooked red lentils (approximately 1/2 cup dry)
  • 1 2 breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1 4 finely chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 2 smoked paprika
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1 4 fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 2 Greek yogurt (or substitute with vegan yogurt)
  • 1 to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once cooked, drain and set them aside to cool briefly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, take the slightly cooled sweet potato cubes and mash them using a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth and creamy. Let them cool completely before moving to the next step.
  • To the mashed sweet potato mixture, add the cooked red lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until everything is fully combined.
  • Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With your hands, shape each portion into a round patty approximately 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they are compact enough to hold their shape during cooking.
  • In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on one side until they are golden brown and start to crisp. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the opposite side.
  • While the patties are cooking, make the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, cilantro leaves, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Once the patties are cooked to perfection, carefully transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, if desired. Serve the warm patties with a generous drizzle of the refreshing avocado cilantro sauce on top.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Keyword avocado sauce, healthy, patties, red lentils, sweet potato