Crispy Sweet Potato Red Lentil (Print)

Golden pan-seared patties combining sweet potato and red lentils with aromatic spices, topped with zesty avocado cilantro cream.

# What You'll Need:

→ Patties

01 - 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
09 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - Olive oil, for pan-frying

→ Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

12 - 1 ripe avocado
13 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
14 - 1 garlic clove
15 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
16 - 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
17 - Salt, to taste
18 - 2–3 tablespoons water

# Directions:

01 - Add the red lentils to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Drain excess water and let the lentils cool slightly.
02 - 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 thoroughly until the mixture holds together. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the mixture to bind.
03 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. With damp hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape into small patties.
04 - Cook the patties in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
05 - For the sauce, combine avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add more water as needed for a creamy, pourable consistency.
06 - Serve the patties warm, topped or dipped with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of creamy sweet potato and earthy lentils creates a texture that is crispy outside and tender inside, exactly what you want in a patty
  • These come together in under 40 minutes and use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen
  • The avocado cilantro sauce is so good you will want to put it on everything else you cook
02 -
  • If your patties are falling apart, the mixture probably needs more flour or another few minutes to rest so the starches can do their work
  • Do not crowd the pan because the patties will steam instead of getting crispy, cook them in two batches if needed
  • The sauce thickens in the fridge, so thin it with a little water or lime juice before serving leftovers
03 -
  • Grate the sweet potato using the large holes of your box grater so you get nice strands that cook through evenly
  • Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour to add protein and keep these gluten-free without sacrificing texture
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