Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a flavorful and nutritious delight. Perfectly spiced and paired with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, they make a wonderful appetizer or light meal. Enjoy their satisfying texture and vibrant taste any time of year.

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
• 1 ripe avocado (for the sauce)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (for the sauce)
• 1 garlic clove (for the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for the sauce)
• Salt, to taste (for the sauce)
• 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed for the sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 the water is mostly absorbed. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix until the mixture holds together. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop the mixture and form into small patties. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Repeat in batches until all patties are cooked.
4. Step 4: In a blender or food processor, blend the avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and water until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Serve the patties warm, topped with or dipped in the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with chickpea flour or another gluten-free alternative.
• If the mixture feels too wet to form patties, add a little more flour to help bind it.
• Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• These patties pair well with a side salad or wrapped in flatbreads for a satisfying meal.

Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to keep them crispy. The avocado cilantro sauce is best served fresh but can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these patties instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is healthier but may not be as crispy as pan-frying.

Can I make the sauce vegan?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the plain yogurt with a plant-based yogurt to make the avocado cilantro sauce vegan-friendly without losing its creamy texture.

Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 50 reviews

These Crispy Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties are a deliciously nutritious vegetarian snack or light meal. Combining soft red lentils with sweet grated potato and aromatic spices, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce that adds a refreshing tangy finish.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 patties 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Vegetarian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Cook Lentils: Add red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and allow the lentils to cool slightly.
2. Prepare Patty 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 thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to firm up.
3. 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. Place them in the skillet and cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy. Cook the patties in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Make Avocado Cilantro Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and enough water (2–3 tablespoons) to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Blend until well combined.
5. Serve: Serve the patties warm, topped with or dipped into the creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a flavorful and refreshing complement.

Notes

• You can substitute chickpea flour to make the patties gluten-free.
• Adjust the seasoning in the patties and sauce to your taste preference.
• These patties can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
• Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
• Use ripe avocado for a creamy and smooth sauce texture.

Keywords: Sweet potato patties, red lentil patties, vegetarian snack, avocado cilantro sauce, gluten free patties