Easy and Delicious Red Lentil Patties
If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, and seriously delicious recipe, these red lentil patties are it. They’re crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. You can bake them or fry them, and they freeze beautifully too. I love making a batch to have on hand for quick lunches or to add to salads and sandwiches. Plus, they’re a hit with kids! The prep is minimal – just a quick blend in the food processor – with a little planning ahead to soak the lentils.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crisp outside, soft inside, packed with flavor
- Bake or fry, whichever you prefer
- Freezer-friendly, great for meal prep
- A hit with kids
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Red lentils – unlike most lentil recipes, these are never boiled. Soaking for at least 3 hours isn’t optional, it’s what softens them enough to fully cook through during baking or frying.
- Carrots – swap in one medium sweet potato (about 250g) if you prefer.
- Rolled oats – regular or quick oats both work, since they get blended into the mixture.
- Curry powder – adjust to taste, or swap for your favorite spice blend.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Don’t shorten the soaking time, since the lentils are never cooked separately, the full 3 hours is what gives them the right texture.
- Don’t worry if the batter looks a little loose after blending, it firms up once cooked.
- If frying, avoid moving the patties for the first 2 minutes, this keeps them from breaking apart.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tahini sauce or your favorite dip
- Great added to salads or sandwiches
- Perfect for quick lunches, and freezer-friendly for meal prep
FAQ
- Do I really need to soak the lentils? Yes, this step isn’t optional. Since the lentils are never boiled, soaking is what softens them enough to cook through fully once baked or fried.
- Can I substitute the carrots? Yes, one medium sweet potato (about 250g) works well instead.
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, since the oats get blended into the mixture, either works.
- Can these be frozen? Yes, they freeze beautifully, just reheat before serving.
Looking for more delicious recipes?
- Quinoa wraps (VEGAN + GF)
- Vegan Smoky Tofu Ham
- Sautéed Green Beans with Mushrooms
- Antipasto Brown Rice Salad
Easy and Delicious Red Lentil Patties
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils well rinsed
- 2 medium carrots roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro including stems
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Oil, for greasing the parchment paper (if baking) or for frying (if frying)
Instructions:
- Soak the lentils: This step isn't optional, since the lentils are never boiled, soaking is what softens them. Soak in plenty of water for at least 3 hours (refrigerate if soaking longer). Rinse well and drain thoroughly.
- Prep the oven (if baking): Preheat to 180°C/350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with oil.
- Blend the vegetables: In a food processor, combine the onion, carrots, cilantro (including stems), curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped and crumbly.
- Add the lentils: Add the soaked lentils, rolled oats, and baking soda to the food processor. Process for about one minute, until smooth.
- Shape: Form the mixture into patties, about 5cm/2-inches in diameter.
- Bake or fry: For baking, place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully set. For frying, heat about 2cm/¾-inch of oil in a skillet, carefully add the patties, and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Avoid moving them during the first 2 minutes of frying to prevent breaking, they will firm up as they cook.
- Serve: Serve with tahini or any other sauce if desired.
Notes:
- Soaking the lentils for at least 3 hours isn’t optional, since they’re never boiled, this is what softens them enough to cook through.
- One medium sweet potato (about 250g) can be substituted for the carrots.
- Since the oats are blended, regular or quick oats both work.
Did you make this recipe? Let me knowLeave a comment or share it on Instagram and tag #thehappylentils
