Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties
These patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Made with mashed sweet potato, protein-rich red lentils, herbs, spices, and a touch of crunch from breadcrumbs, they are nourishing, budget-friendly, and naturally vegan. Perfect for bowls, wraps, salads, or dipping into your favorite sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Patties
1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed
1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup mashed)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Coating
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Pinch of salt
½ tsp paprika
Instructions
1. Cook the Red Lentils
Add lentils to a pot with 2 cups water.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 12–15 minutes until soft.
Drain any remaining water and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Sweet Potato
Option A — Boil:
Peel and cube sweet potato.
Boil 10–12 minutes until soft.
Mash until smooth.
Option B — Microwave:
Pierce potato with a fork.
Microwave 6–8 minutes until soft, then scoop and mash.
3. Mix the Patty Base
In a large bowl, combine:
Cooked red lentils
Mashed sweet potato
Onion
Garlic
Olive oil
Spices
Breadcrumbs
Mix until a thick, scoopable mixture forms.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up (optional but helpful).
4. Form the Patties
Shape into 8–10 patties, about ½–¾ inch thick.
If using coating, press each patty into seasoned panko.
5. Cook the Patties
Pan-fry (best crispiness):
Heat a thin layer of oil over medium heat.
Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place patties on a lined baking sheet and brush lightly with oil.
Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer:
390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serving Ideas
In a bowl with greens, rice, veggies, and tahini dressing
As a veggie burger with avocado + spicy mayo
With a side of tzatziki, garlic yogurt, or hummus
Crumbled into wraps or salads
As a high-protein vegan snack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze cooked patties on a tray, then store in bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer or oven.
Can I use canned lentils?
Red lentils cook quickly and mash better, so canned substitutes won’t work as well.
Why are my patties too soft?
Add more breadcrumbs or chill the mixture 20 minutes before shaping.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes — grated carrot, zucchini (squeezed dry), spinach, or corn are great.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and you’re set.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 90–120
Protein: 4–6 g
Carbohydrates: 16–20 g
Fat: 2–4 g
Fiber: 4–6 g
Sodium: ~160 mg