Go Back
To make these tasty patties, gather the following: - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed - 1 cup cooked red lentils (about 1/2 cup dry) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed) - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp cumin powder - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) For the creamy sauce, you will need: - 1 ripe avocado - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt) - Salt to taste Choose the freshest ingredients for the best taste. Here are my tips: - Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth skin. Avoid any bruises or soft spots. - Red Lentils: Opt for bright-colored lentils. They should be free from debris. - Green Onions: Pick vibrant green stalks with no wilting. They should smell fresh. - Garlic: Choose firm bulbs. Avoid any sprouting or soft garlic. - Avocado: A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid overly soft ones. - Cilantro: Look for bright green leaves. They should not be yellow or wilted. By selecting fresh ingredients, your patties and sauce will burst with flavor. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, peel and cube the sweet potato. Place the cubes in a pot of water. Boil them for about 15 minutes or until soft. You can check if they are ready by poking them with a fork. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. In a large bowl, mash the cooled sweet potato with a fork. Aim for a smooth texture without lumps. Next, add the cooked red lentils, breadcrumbs, and chopped green onions. Then, mix in minced garlic, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until the mixture is well combined. This blend gives the patties their rich flavor. Divide the mixture into eight equal parts. Shape each part into a patty, about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. You want them crispy on the outside but soft inside. While the patties cook, prepare the avocado cilantro sauce. Grab a blender or food processor. Add the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Blend these ingredients until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce will add a fresh, zesty flavor to your patties. To make the best patties, start with the right base. Cook your sweet potato until soft, about 15 minutes. Mash it well to avoid lumps. This gives your patties a smooth texture. Mix in cooked red lentils and breadcrumbs. The lentils add protein and a nice bite. Don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they help bind everything together. If the mix feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. This way, your patties hold their shape when cooking. When frying, choose oils with high smoke points. Olive oil is a great choice for its flavor and health benefits. Canola oil is another option, as it’s neutral and high in smoke point. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This helps the patties cook evenly. Make sure the oil is hot before adding patties. This ensures a nice, golden crust. Presentation makes a big difference. Serve the patties on a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green. Lime wedges add a burst of color and flavor. Drizzle the avocado cilantro sauce over the patties. This makes them look and taste even better. For extra fun, serve with a side salad or some roasted veggies. Enjoy your beautiful meal! Pro Tips Cooking Sweet Potatoes: Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and soft for easy mashing, which helps achieve a smooth texture in the patties. Binding the Patties: If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties and prevent them from falling apart while cooking. Perfectly Crispy Patties: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crispiness of the patties. Enhancing Flavor: Experiment with additional spices like chili powder or coriander for a unique flavor twist in the patties. {{image_2}} You can easily make these sweet potato red lentil patties gluten-free. Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This small change keeps the recipe safe for those with gluten allergies. You can find gluten-free options in most stores. They work just as well, giving the patties a great texture. If you like heat, add some spice! You can mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. These additions will give your patties a kick. Another option is to use a spicy sauce as a topping. This way, you can control the heat level to suit your taste. While the avocado cilantro sauce is delicious, feel free to explore other sauces. A zesty tahini sauce or a tangy mango salsa can be great choices. These options can add new flavors to your patties. You can even try a yogurt-based sauce with herbs for a fresh touch. Experimenting with different dips can make each meal exciting. To keep your sweet potato red lentil patties fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This simple step keeps them tasty for your next meal. If you want to save some patties for later, freezing is a great option. After they cool, lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. These patties can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avocado cilantro sauce is best when fresh, but you can store leftovers too. Place the sauce in a small bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. This helps prevent browning. It can stay in the fridge for one day. If you need to keep it longer, consider adding a little extra lime juice. This can help maintain its bright green color and flavor. Yes, you can bake the patties. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps them healthier and still tasty. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try oats or crushed cornflakes. You can also use ground nuts, like almonds or walnuts. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. These options work well and add nice textures. Leftover patties stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. Yes, you can make the avocado cilantro sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce to limit air exposure. These sweet potato red lentil patties are easy to make and delicious. You can mix fresh ingredients, form tasty patties, and pair them with avocado sauce. Remember to adjust spices to suit your taste. Store leftovers well for later use. Cooking can be fun and rewarding! Enjoy exploring different serving ideas and variations to keep meals interesting. Now, roll up your sleeves and enjoy this healthy recipe often!

Sweet Potato Red Lentil Patties with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Delicious and healthy patties made from sweet potatoes and red lentils, served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup cooked red lentils (about 1/2 cup dry)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • In a pot, boil the cubed sweet potato in water for about 15 minutes or until soft. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potato with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
  • To the mashed sweet potato, add cooked red lentils, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
  • Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
  • While the patties cook, prepare the avocado cilantro sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the patties are done, remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels if necessary. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of the avocado cilantro sauce.

Notes

Serve on a colorful plate, garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges.
Keyword avocado sauce, healthy, patties, red lentils, sweet potato