If you are on the hunt for a dish that is as vibrant in flavor as it is nourishing, you have to try the Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe. This delightful fusion brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and the hearty texture of red lentils, all formed into golden patties that are perfectly crispy on the outside. Paired with a luscious avocado cilantro sauce, it’s an irresistible combination that bursts with freshness and warmth in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of each ingredient. From the earthy spices to the creamy avocado sauce, every component works together to create a dish that’s both wholesome and exciting.
- Red lentils: Provide a soft, protein-rich base with a mild, nutty flavor and help bind the patties.
- Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, plus a gorgeous orange hue for visual appeal.
- Onion and garlic: Bring a punch of aroma and depth to the patties’ flavor.
- Cumin, paprika, and coriander: These warm spices add complexity and a gentle earthiness.
- Fresh cilantro: Offers a bright herbal note that makes the dish pop.
- All-purpose or chickpea flour: Acts as a binder to keep the patties intact while cooking.
- Olive oil: For achieving that irresistible crispy crust when pan-frying.
- Avocado: The base of the creamy dipping sauce, it balances the spices and adds richness.
- Lime juice: Provides acidity to brighten up the avocado cilantro sauce.
- Plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based): Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: To season both the patties and sauce perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Red Lentils
Start by rinsing one cup of red lentils to remove any impurities. Place them in a saucepan with two cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let them simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the lentils turn tender and most of the water has been absorbed. Drain off any excess liquid and allow the lentils to cool slightly before moving on. This cooking step is crucial to achieving the soft texture inside the patties.
Step 2: Combine and Mix Patty Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils with one grated medium sweet potato, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic cloves. Add your spices: half a teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, and a quarter teaspoon of coriander. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then fold in a quarter cup of freshly chopped cilantro and two tablespoons of flour (all-purpose or chickpea for gluten-free). Mix everything thoroughly. Let this mixture rest for about 5 to 10 minutes so it can bind well, making the patties easier to shape.
Step 3: Form and Shape Patties
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. With damp hands, scoop portions of the mixture and gently shape them into small, compact patties. The moisture and flour you added should help them hold together without crumbling. Taking care with this step guarantees patties with the best texture.
Step 4: Pan-Sear Until Golden
Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown crust that’s slightly crisp to the touch. Once cooked, transfer the patties onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This process locks in flavor and texture and gives the patties their signature crunch.
Step 5: Prepare Avocado Cilantro Sauce
While the patties cook, make the sauce by blending one ripe avocado with half a cup of fresh cilantro leaves, one garlic clove, a tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and two tablespoons of plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based). Add salt to taste and about two to three tablespoons of water to achieve a creamy but pourable consistency. This creamy, herbaceous sauce complements the spicy patties perfectly and adds an extra layer of freshness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Arrange the warm patties on a serving plate and either dollop each with the avocado cilantro sauce or serve it on the side as a dip. This final step is where all your effort comes together to create an unforgettable meal that’s bursting with color, flavor, and texture.
How to Serve Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of red chili on top of the patties really enhances the visual appeal and introduces a fresh pop of flavor. A dusting of smoked paprika on the sauce can also elevate the dish’s aroma and spice profile.
Side Dishes
These patties are incredibly versatile and work beautifully alongside a crisp mixed green salad, warm quinoa, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. Roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots also make an excellent pairing to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve the Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe with toothpicks and small bowls of sauce for dipping. Alternatively, stack patties in a slider bun with fresh lettuce and thin slices of red onion for a vegetarian sandwich everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover patties, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce separate helps maintain the patties’ crispness when reheating.
Freezing
These patties freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back their satisfying crispiness, reheat the patties in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy. Warm the avocado cilantro sauce briefly or serve it cold for a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?
Red lentils are ideal because they cook quickly and become soft, helping the patties bind well. If you use green or brown lentils, they will hold their shape more, so the texture will be firmer and the patties might need more binding agents.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you swap the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or another gluten-free flour of your choice, which also boosts the nutritional content while maintaining the patties’ structure.
How spicy is the dish?
The patties themselves have gentle warmth from cumin, paprika, and coriander, but they are not overly spicy. If you love more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili into the patty mix.
Can I make the avocado cilantro sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a plant-based yogurt instead of dairy yogurt, and the sauce will be creamy and flavorful without any dairy ingredients.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
Ensuring the lentils are well-cooked and allowing the mixture to rest before shaping helps the ingredients bind. Also, using slightly damp hands to form the patties and cooking them on moderate heat until crisp will hold them together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe enough. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s as wonderful to share with friends as it is to enjoy on your own. The textures and flavors come together in such a joyful way, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite meal that keeps you coming back for more.
Print
Crispy Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Sweet Potato Red Lentil Patties are a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish, combining tender red lentils, grated sweet potato, and aromatic spices. Pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
For the 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 ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free option
- Olive oil for pan-frying
For the Avocado Cilantro Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, dairy or plant-based
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water for thinning
Instructions
- Cook the Red Lentils: Add rinsed red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the lentils are tender and most of the water has been absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool slightly.
- Combine and Mix Patty Base: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, black pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, and flour. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is cohesive and can hold together. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flour to absorb moisture and bind the ingredients well.
- Form and Shape Patties: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil. With damp hands, scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into small, compact patties about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
- Pan-Sear Until Golden: Cook the patties in batches in the heated skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare Avocado Cilantro Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired thickness is reached.
- Finish and Serve: Arrange the warm red lentil and sweet potato patties on a serving plate. Serve immediately, topped with or accompanied by the creamy avocado cilantro sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Ensure the lentils are well-drained to avoid soggy patties.
- If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more flour to help bind.
- These patties can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking remaining batches.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a skillet.
- The avocado cilantro sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one day.
