Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties
These patties combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the hearty texture of red lentils, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior and tender interior. Perfect for any meal and easy to customize!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes Tender and sweet; serves as the base.
- 1 cup red lentils Packed with protein; adds earthiness.
- 1 medium onion Brings an aromatic touch.
- 3 cloves garlic Adds depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley Adds freshness and color.
Seasonings and Coatings
- 1 tsp ground cumin Enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika Adds smokiness and color.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs For a crispy coating.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
- olive oil for frying Adds richness; perfect for crispiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the red lentils: In a medium pot, add 1 cup of red lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes until the lentils are soft. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the sweet potatoes: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add cubed sweet potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly before mashing.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Mixing and Shaping
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Mix in the soft lentils, sautéed onion, garlic, chopped herbs, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Shape the patties: With clean hands, shape the mixture into 2-inch patties. Coat each patty lightly with panko breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Fry the patties: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. For a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Notes
To enhance the flavor, feel free to add cayenne pepper or adobo seasoning. For convenience, canned lentils can be used. A ricer helps achieve an even texture when mashing sweet potatoes.