Delicious Lentil Patties Recipe for Vegetarian Lovers
Are you tired of the same old boring meals? Do you want to try something new that’s healthy, satisfying, and delicious? Look no further than these lentil patties!
As an Israeli chef, I strive to create flavorful dishes that are both easy to make and good for you. That’s why I love this recipe for lentil patties. Made with lentils, vegetables, and spices, these patties are packed with protein and flavor.
Not only are these patties a nutritious option, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them on their own as a tasty vegetarian main course or use them as a sandwich filling or burger patty. They even make a great snack or appetizer.
Don’t let the thought of cooking with lentils intimidate you. With this simple recipe and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can make delicious lentil patties in the comfort of their own kitchen.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with my lentil patties recipe. I swear, this dish will make you question why you haven’t been eating lentils all along. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
First and foremost, it’s easy to make. No more slaving away in the kitchen for hours trying to whip up something delicious. With lentil patties, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. All you have to do is boil the lentils and veggies, mix everything together, shape into patties, and bake. Voila!
Secondly, this recipe is versatile. You can either serve the patties as is or use them as a filling in sandwich buns or pita pockets. You can top them with your favorite cheese, sauce or chutney. Just thinking about the possibilities of flavor combinations makes my mouth water.
Let’s not forget about the health benefits either; lentils are rich in protein and fiber, which are essential nutrients for your body to function properly. This means that not only will you feel satiated after eating these patties but they will also help keep you full for longer periods of time.
Lastly, this recipe is suitable for anyone; whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan/vegetarian, this dish checks all of the boxes. Furthermore, if you’re looking for gluten-free options that taste fantastic, give these lentil patties a try.
So there you have it, simple and quick preparation, versatile serving options for various occasions, packed with essential nutrients such as protein and fiber while being inclusive of various dietary needs are some of the reasons why this lentil patties recipe should definitely be added to your meal rotation.
Ingredient List
Whether you are looking for a healthy meatless meal option or a tasty plant-based protein dish, the Lentil Patties Recipe is perfect for you. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Red lentils: 2 cups of lentils rinsed and drained
- Water: 4 cups
- Vegetable broth: 1 cup
- Brown lentils: 1/2 cup cooked (substitution option)
- French green lentils: 1/2 cup cooked (substitution option)
- Dry red lentils: 1/2 cup cooked (substitution option)
- Small red onion, finely chopped
- Celery, diced
- Carrot, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Large shallot, minced
- Fresh parsley stems removed
- Egg
- Plain flour
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Salt
All these ingredients can be easily found at your supermarket or local grocery store. Once you’ve collected them, let’s move on to the next steps!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the necessary ingredients set up, let’s start cooking some tempting Lentil Patties!
Step 1: Boil the Lentils
In a pot or saucepan, combine 2 cups of red lentils with 4 cups of vegetable broth (or water), bring it to boil and then let it simmer until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This process should take around 20-25 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the lentils are cooking, it’s time to prep your veggies. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 small diced onion, 1 medium diced carrot, 1 diced celery and sauté until the vegetables are soft, which should take roughly 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
Now that both the lentils and sautéed vegetables are ready, it’s time to mix them together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked lentils and mashed vegetables along with 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 2 minced garlic cloves, and chopped ½ cup of fresh parsley leaves with stems removed.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Eggs
To bind everything together, stir in 2 eggs and 1 cup of plain flour into the mixing bowl, adding little by little while stirring constantly until you get a sticky dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, you can add small amounts of water as needed.
Step 5: Shape into Patties
When you’re happy with the dough-like consistency, use a spoon or an ice-cream scoop to portion out 2-3 tablespoons of mixture at a time and form them into fairly flat patties that are about an inch thick.
Step 6: Cook Until Browned
Heat up some oil (preferably vegetable or canola oil) in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place your uncooked patties into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown in color.
Finally, once cooked serve hot with some tzatziki sauce or other dipping sauce of your choice! That’s how I prepare my favorite ‘Lentil Patties Recipe.’
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe and make it your own. Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations that will still result in delicious lentil patties.
First, let’s talk about the lentils themselves. While this recipe calls for red lentils, you can also use brown lentils or French green lentils. The key is to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these types of lentils require different cooking times than red lentils.
For a vegan version of this recipe, you can skip the egg and use a flax egg instead. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This will bind the ingredients together just like an egg would.
If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour instead of plain flour. You can also make these lentil patties without any flour at all by substituting with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or potato starch.
Want to add some extra flavor? Try adding some diced sweet potato or carrot to the mixture. You can also add some chopped celery, onion, or red pepper for some added crunch and nutrition.
For some extra spice, consider adding some minced garlic or finely chopped chili peppers. You can also swap out the ground cumin and coriander for other spices that suit your taste buds.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces for these lentil patties. These patties pair well with almost any sauce so you can mix things up.
These substitutions and variations will allow you to tailor this recipe according to your preferences while still maintaining its overall flavor profile.
Serving and Pairing
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Just like any good burger, lentil patties deserve to be served with the best accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite suggestions for serving and pairing your lentil patties:
First off, let’s talk about toppings. Unlike meat burgers, lentil patties have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with a variety of toppings. I would recommend trying fresh greens like arugula or spinach, sliced tomatoes, and red onion for a classic burger feel. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
As for condiments, the possibilities are endless. Classic options like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise work well, as do more unusual choices like hummus or tahini sauce. You can also create your own DIY sauces using ingredients like Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with chives or dill.
Lentil patties also pair well with sides like roasted sweet potatoes or french fries for that classic burger and fries combo. For a healthier option, try pairing them with a green salad topped with sliced avocado and fresh vinaigrette dressing.
Finally, don’t forget the drinks! A good beer or glass of red wine pairs perfectly with lentil burgers. For non-alcoholic drinks, try a fizzy soda or lemonade to wash it all down.
In conclusion, Lentil Patties are an extremely versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s super easy to tailor to your taste preferences and dietary needs which means you can enjoy it in countless creative ways.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making food ahead of time is the ultimate hack for a busy week. Luckily, these lentil patties can be made ahead and stored easily. Once cooked, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
When reheating the patties, you have a few options. For best results, use an oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness of the patty’s exterior. Simply heat on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
If you don’t have access to an oven or prefer to use a stovetop, reheat the patties over low heat in a non-stick skillet. Add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until heated through.
Lentil patties are great as leftovers, which make them perfect for meal prep purposes. Whether you take them to work for lunch or serve them as an easy dinner option during the week, they will satisfy your hunger while giving you the nutrients you need.
The lentil patties retain their flavor and texture well after being stored or reheated, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising on taste or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking lentil patties is a straightforward process that yields delicious and nutritious results. However, as with any recipe, there are a few tips to keep in mind for perfect results every time. Here are some suggestions to take your lentil patties to the next level.
First, when forming your patties, make sure they are compact enough that they hold their shape during cooking. To do this, firmly press the mixture together with your hands and pack it tightly into a patty shape.
Secondly, be sure to use enough oil in your pan or griddle when cooking the patties. Proper lubrication will ensure the patties cook evenly and don’t stick to the cooking surface.
Next, resist the temptation to flip the patties too frequently. Allow them to develop a nice crust before turning them over. Flipping them too often will cause them to break apart and lose shape.
Additionally, if you find that your patties aren’t holding together as well as you’d like, try adding more binding agents such as flour or egg. Adjusting the recipe by adding a little more of these ingredients can help form sturdier patties.
Furthermore, seasoning is essential in preparing tasty lentil patties. Don’t be afraid to play around with different spices and herbs until you find a combination that suits your taste buds best. Adding fresh parsley or cilantro provides additional aroma and flavour that will elevate your dish.
Lastly, for a fancier presentation or extra texture, try coating the outside of the patties in breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before frying them. This technique will add a delicate crunchiness to each bite.
By following these tips, your lentil patties will come out perfectly every time.
Bottom Line
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So there you have it, my delicious lentil patties recipe! With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, vegetarian or vegan dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as a compliment to your meal, these patties are sure to delight your taste buds. And with the flexibility to swap out lentil varieties and adjust the seasonings to your liking, you can truly make it your own.
So I invite you to give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Lentil Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red lentil
- 1/2 stalk celery, chopped finely
- 1 small carrot, chopped finely
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups stale breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 egg, beaten lightly
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Combine lentils, celery, carrot, water and spices in large saucepan.
- Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until mixture thickens; cool.
- Stir in half of the breadcrumbs.
- Shape mixture into patties (makes about 8); toss in flour.
- Dip in egg, then in combined remaining breadcrumbs and parsley.
- (Can be made one day ahead at this stage and refrigerated, covered, or frozen for up to 6 months).
- Heat oil in large non-stick frypan; cook patties until well browned both sides. Drain on absorbent paper and serve as desired.