Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties: An Easy, Fast Vegan Dinner

Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties: An Easy, Fast Vegan Dinner

These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a delightful twist on traditional veggie burgers. They come together quickly and bring a vibrant flavor to your dinner table. Having made countless variations over the years, I can assure you that this recipe is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding.

Why Make This Recipe

1. Delicious Flavor: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of red lentils, making each bite a treat for your palate.
2. Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein, these patties support a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
3. Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Versatile: Serve them as a main dish, snack, or in a sandwich—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
5. Personal Touch: I love this recipe because it’s so forgiving; you can easily adapt it based on what’s in your pantry.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy
  This recipe features a simple method of boiling and mashing sweet potatoes and lentils, then forming them into patties and pan-frying until golden.

My Experience Making This Recipe

Creating these patties was a breeze! The biggest challenge I faced was ensuring the right texture—too wet, and they’d fall apart; too dry, and they wouldn’t hold together. After a couple of test runs, I learned the importance of squeezing out excess moisture from the sweet potatoes, which made all the difference.

How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

Start by cooking your red lentils until they’re tender and mashing your cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Combine these with breadcrumbs and spices, forming patties. The key technique is pan-frying them in a little oil on medium heat until each side is golden and crispy—this is where they develop their delightful crunch!

Expert Tips for Success

1. Selecting Sweet Potatoes: Go for medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best balance of sweetness and starch. Check for smooth skin without any sprouting.
2. Consistency is Key: Ensure your sweet potato mash is smooth but not too watery. Moisture can cause the patties to fall apart during cooking.
3. Use a Non-Stick Pan: Using a high-quality non-stick skillet helps prevent the patties from sticking, ensuring a beautiful golden crust.
4. Let Them Rest: After forming the patties, let them sit for about 10 minutes before frying; this helps them hold together better while cooking.
5. Batch Cooking: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra patties for quick meals down the road. Just lay them out flat on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a container.

How to Serve Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

1. Classic Burger Style: Serve the patties on whole grain buns loaded with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and tahini sauce.
2. Salad Companion: Pair the patties with a refreshing green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
3. Wrap It Up: Place the patties in a whole wheat wrap with veggies for a nutritious lunch or snack.
4. Dipping options: Serve with hummus or a spicy salsa to elevate the flavor.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to freeze them, place the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, retaining their crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a flavor boost.
2. Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to change the flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties for a gluten-free version.
4. Nutty Twist: Add some finely chopped nuts like walnuts to the mixture for added crunch and nutrition.

Nutritional Highlights

These patties are rich in fiber from the sweet potatoes and lentils, which aids in digestion. They also provide plant-based protein, making them a perfect option for vegans and vegetarians. As a bonus, they’re naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Problem: Patties are falling apart: Ensure your mixture isn’t too wet—squeeze out excess moisture from the sweet potatoes before combining.
2. Problem: Patties are too dry: If your mixture feels dry, add a little bit of water or plant-based milk to moisten it up before cooking.
3. Problem: Insufficient flavor: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste the mixture before forming the patties to ensure it’s well-seasoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned lentils?
   Yes, you can use canned lentils for convenience. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before mashing.

2. How can I make these patties spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.

3. What can I serve with these patties?
   Pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa for a complete meal.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the patties on a parchment-lined sheet for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

With their delightful flavor and easy preparation, these crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy your meal!

Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties

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Deliciously crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties that are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick vegan dinner.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Cook red lentils in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pot, boil sweet potatoes until soft. Drain and mash until smooth.
3. Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry each patty until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Notes

Let patties rest for 10 minutes before frying. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

• Author: nevaeh-hall
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 patty
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg