Name: Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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; 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)

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Introduction

These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties make a delightful and wholesome snack or light meal. Packed with warm spices and fresh herbs, they’re perfect for a nutritious bite topped with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

A stack of three thick, round patties with a coarse, grainy texture in a warm golden orange color, each showing small yellow lentils and bits of green herbs inside; the patties have a crispy, browned surface with darker spots on top and edges. A dollop of creamy, pale green sauce with specks of herbs sits on the top patty, looking smooth and rich. Some fresh green cilantro leaves are placed around the base of the patties on a clean white plate, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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.
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 it sit for 5–10 minutes.
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 as needed.
Step 4: In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and water until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve the patties warm, topped or dipped with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

Tips & Variations

Letting the mixture rest allows better binding and easier shaping.
Adjust seasoning to your taste and add chili powder or diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Use chickpea flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
These patties freeze well; reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.

Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy. The avocado cilantro sauce is best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir well before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows three round, thick orange lentil patties with a crispy, browned surface stacked on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. The patties have visible red lentils and green herbs or spinach mixed inside, giving a textured and colorful look. On top of the top patty, there is a dollop of pale green creamy sauce with herbs, slightly dripping over the edge. The lighting highlights the patties' crispy texture and the sauce's smoothness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for about a month. Cook or reheat just before serving to enjoy their crisp texture.

What can I use instead of avocado for the sauce?

If you prefer, you can substitute avocado with plain yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and a little olive oil for creaminess while keeping the fresh cilantro and lime juice flavors.