Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious vegetarian option, let me introduce you to my favorite red lentil patties. They’re not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and nutrition! These little gems are packed with protein and fiber, making them perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try these red lentil patties, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. You can serve them with your favorite sauces or simply enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re a hit!
Ingredients List
To make these scrumptious red lentil patties, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup red lentils: Rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust.
- 1/2 onion: Finely chop for that wonderful flavor boost.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to give your patties that aromatic kick.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: This helps bind the mixture together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: For a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: To add a dash of color and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning!
- Oil for frying: Choose your favorite, whether it’s olive oil or vegetable oil.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create some delightful patties!
How to Prepare Red Lentil Patties
Making red lentil patties is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Let’s dive in:
- Rinse the lentils: Start by rinsing the 1 cup of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This little step ensures any dirt is washed away, and it makes a big difference!
- Cook the lentils: In a pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let them cook for about 15 minutes until they’re soft and tender. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them mushy!
- Cool them down: Once cooked, drain any excess water and let the lentils cool. This is crucial for forming patties that hold together.
- Mix it all up: In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, 1/2 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated.
- Shape the patties: With your hands, form the mixture into small patties. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste great either way!
- Fry them up: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re beautifully golden brown. You’ll love that sizzle!
- Drain and serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
And there you have it! Delicious red lentil patties, all made from scratch. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! These red lentil patties are not just tasty; they’re also packed with goodness. For a serving size of one patty, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g (with only 1g of saturated fat)
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re getting a hearty dose of nutrients with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Flavor-packed with the warmth of cumin and paprika.
- Healthy and satisfying, perfect for any meal.
- Versatile—great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
- Kid-friendly and a hit with vegetarians and meat-lovers alike!
Tips for Success
Want to make the absolute best red lentil patties? Here are my top tips to ensure your patties turn out perfect every time!
- Don’t skip rinsing: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any impurities and enhance their flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture before frying! Feel free to add more spices or herbs based on your preference.
- Chill the mixture: If your patties are too loose, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better while frying!
- Use a non-stick skillet: It makes frying easier and prevents sticking—no one likes a broken patty!
- Experiment with cooking methods: If you prefer a healthier option, bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations of Red Lentil Patties
Get creative with your red lentil patties! You can easily customize them to suit your taste. Try adding chopped spinach or grated carrots for some extra veggies. Love a bit of heat? Toss in some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper! For a Mediterranean twist, mix in feta cheese and oregano. The sky’s the limit, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices—make these patties truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious red lentil patties, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy again. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-pan taste!
FAQ Section
Can I make red lentil patties in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just form the patties and fry them when you’re ready to eat!
What can I serve with red lentil patties? They pair beautifully with a variety of dips like tahini sauce, yogurt, or even a spicy salsa. You can also serve them on a bed of greens for a refreshing salad!
Can I freeze these patties? Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They should last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Are red lentil patties gluten-free? If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, then yes! Just check the label to be sure.
How do I know when they’re cooked through? Look for a lovely golden-brown color on each side. They should be crispy on the outside and firm but tender inside. Enjoy!
For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in exploring the health benefits of lentils, you can read more here.
Print
Red lentil patties: 7 reasons to love these healthy delights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red lentil patties are a healthy and delicious vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
- Cook the lentils in a pot with 2 cups of water until soft, about 15 minutes.
- Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked lentils, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: red lentil patties, vegetarian recipes, healthy snacks