Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
These Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish featuring a blend of tender red lentils, grated sweet potato, and fragrant spices. Pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, they make for a satisfying appetizer, snack, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 small patties 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Patties
- 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 Lentils: Add the rinsed red lentils and 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and allow the lentils to cool slightly.
- Prepare Pattie Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to bind.
- Form and Cook Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into small patties. Cook each patty for 3–4 minutes on each side, until they turn golden and crispy. Work in batches as needed.
- Make Avocado Cilantro Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding extra water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the sweet potato and red lentil patties warm, accompanied by the creamy avocado cilantro sauce for dipping or drizzling on top.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with chickpea flour.
- Ensure patties are firmly packed to prevent breaking during frying.
- These patties can be made ahead and gently reheated in a skillet for crispiness.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper if desired.
- The avocado sauce pairs well with other dips or can be used as a spread on sandwiches.
Keywords: sweet potato patties, red lentil patties, vegetarian appetizer, avocado cilantro sauce, healthy snacks, gluten-free patties, pan-fried patties
