There is something truly irresistible about these CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight! They bring a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures that make every bite a joyous experience. With their golden, crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, these patties manage to be both nourishing and decadently satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weekday dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish offers a vibrant combination of sweet potato’s natural sweetness and the hearty protein punch of red lentils, all perfectly complemented by a zesty, creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Once you try these patties, they will surely become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight! Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s the spices adding warmth or the fresh cilantro adding a burst of brightness.

Red lentils: The star legume that provides protein, softness, and a subtle earthy flavor.

Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while helping bind the patties.
Onion: Finely chopped for depth and mild sharpness.

Garlic cloves: Minced to bring aromatic richness that wakes up the senses.
Cumin: Ground and warming, it infuses the patties with a subtle smoky earthiness.

Paprika: Adds color and a gentle sweet pepper flavor.
Ground coriander: Offers a slight citrusy-note to brighten the mix.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Fresh cilantro: Chopped to lend a fresh, herbal lift.
Flour or chickpea flour: Acts as a binder keeping the patties intact while frying.
Olive oil: For pan-frying to crisp the patties to golden perfection.

Ripe avocado: For making the creamy dipping sauce that cools and complements the spices.
Fresh cilantro (extra): In the sauce for vivid, fresh flavor contrast.
Garlic clove (extra): Added to the sauce to maintain balance and depth.

Lime juice: Provides acidity and brightness in the dipping sauce.
Plain yogurt: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang to the avocado sauce.
Water: Used to thin the sauce as needed for the perfect drizzle or dip consistency.

How to Make CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight!

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

Start by placing one cup of rinsed red lentils into a saucepan with two cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the lentils soft but not mushy, with most of the water absorbed. If any water remains, drain it off and allow the lentils to cool slightly. This step is crucial because well-cooked lentils lend a lovely tender texture to the patties while holding the structure just enough.

Step 2: Mix the Patty Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils with the grated sweet potato, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add in the cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper, then toss in the chopped fresh cilantro and the flour. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture binds together nicely but still feels moist. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this break helps the flavors meld and the flour fully hydrate, which makes forming patties much easier.

Step 3: Form and Fry the Patties

Warm a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop portions of the mixture into your hands and gently shape them into small patties. Place the patties into the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden and crisp. Remember to cook in batches if needed, ensuring the pan doesn’t get crowded, which helps maintain that coveted crispiness that makes these patties so delightful.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Cilantro Sauce

While the patties cook, blend together the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, extra garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Add two to three tablespoons of water gradually to achieve a luscious, drizzle-able consistency. This sauce is the perfect companion—cool, tangy, and rich—enhancing every bite of the warm, crisp patties beautifully.

How to Serve CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight!

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate the eating experience. Try sprinkling chopped cilantro or a little crumbled feta on top for a touch of color and flavor contrast. Alternatively, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens flavors wonderfully and adds just the right amount of zing.

Side Dishes

Pair your patties with fresh salads like a crunchy cucumber and tomato mix or a vibrant green leafy salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a simple grain like quinoa or couscous also complement these patties beautifully, rounding out the meal with wholesome nutrition and balanced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

These patties shine as both main or finger food. Serve them stacked on mini slider buns with creamy avocado sauce as a spread and crisp lettuce for a fun twist. They also work wonderfully on a mezze platter alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread, turning your meal into an exciting sharing feast that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their texture well when properly cooled, making them a great option for quick meals during busy weekdays.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the patties flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about an hour, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. This method ensures they don’t stick together and you can easily grab a few whenever you need a quick snack or meal.

Reheating

To bring leftover or frozen patties back to life, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until crisp and warm throughout. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the patties soggy and less appetizing. A pan reheating preserves that lovely crisp exterior signature of the CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight!

FAQs

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace regular flour with chickpea flour or any other gluten-free flour of your choice. It works equally well as a binder and keeps these patties just as delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can omit it or substitute with fresh parsley or mint for a different but equally fresh flavor profile.

Can I bake these patties instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as pan-fried, it’s a healthier alternative.

How spicy are these patties?

They are mildly spiced, with warmth from cumin and paprika rather than heat. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

Is the avocado cilantro sauce necessary?

While the patties are tasty on their own, the creamy avocado cilantro sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast that perfectly balances the spices and richness, making the dish truly irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight! This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to try making these at home, share them with loved ones, and savor the happy crunch and vibrant flavors that make this a true delight on any table.

CRISPY SWEET POTATO & RED LENTIL PATTIES That Delight! Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 patties 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These crispy sweet potato and red lentil patties are a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients like red lentils, sweet potato, and fresh herbs, they offer a delightful texture with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce, they bring a fresh, zesty twist that’s sure to please any palate.

Instructions

Cook lentils: Add red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and allow them to cool slightly.

Prepare mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated sweet potato, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and flour. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture holds together. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Form and cook patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop portions of the mixture and form into small, evenly sized patties. Place them in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed.
Make the avocado cilantro sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, plain yogurt, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Serve: Plate the warm patties and serve them topped with or dipped into the creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer, snack, or light meal.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.

These patties can be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
Leftover patties store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or oven.
The avocado sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; add a squeeze of lime to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack/Appetizer

Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Fusion/Healthy

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 patties with sauce (about 150g)

Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 7 g

Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: sweet potato patties, red lentil patties, vegetarian patties, healthy snack, avocado sauce, gluten free option, vegetarian appetizer