Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish, perfect as a snack or light meal. Made with a blend of tender lentils, grated sweet potato, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a delightful finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 small patties 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
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
- Cook the lentils: 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 most of the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix well until the mixture holds together. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to improve binding.
- Form and cook patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop the mixture and form into small patties. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat in batches, adding more olive oil as needed.
- Make the avocado cilantro sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and 2–3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the patties warm with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce either on top or as a dip on the side.
Notes
- Allowing the mixture to rest helps it bind better, making the patties easier to form.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier version, add chili powder or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- These patties freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat by pan-frying or in the oven.
Keywords: sweet potato patties, red lentil patties, vegetarian snack, avocado cilantro sauce, pan-fried patties, healthy vegetarian recipes
