Crispy Sweet Potato Lentil Patties (Print Version)
Golden sweet potato & lentil patties spiced with cumin and smoked paprika, pan-fried to crisp.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
→ Legumes & Binding
05 - 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils, well drained
06 - 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
07 - 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular if not gluten-free)
08 - 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
→ For Frying
15 - 3 tablespoons neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or similar)
# How to Make It:
01 - Place the grated sweet potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to extract as much moisture as possible. This step is critical for achieving a crispy texture.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, egg, breadcrumbs, chickpea flour, ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, sea salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and a cohesive mixture forms.
03 - With lightly oiled hands to prevent sticking, divide the mixture and shape into 8 to 10 small patties, approximately 2 inches in diameter each.
04 - Heat the neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers slightly.
05 - Carefully place patties in the skillet in batches without crowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp. Transfer finished patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
06 - Serve warm accompanied by yogurt dip, chutney, or a fresh salad.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the shatteringly crisp outside and the soft, spiced interior is genuinely addictive.
- They come together with pantry staples and freeze beautifully for emergency weeknight dinners.
02 -
- If you skip squeezing the sweet potatoes, the mixture will be too wet and the patties will fall apart in the pan every single time.
- Letting the shaped patties rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before frying firms them up dramatically and makes flipping effortless.
03 -
- Wet hands are the enemy when shaping, so keep a small bowl of oil nearby and re-oil your palms between every few patties.
- The mixture tastes even better if you let it sit covered in the fridge for an hour before shaping, because the flour and breadcrumbs fully hydrate and the flavors meld.