Description
Delicious and healthy lentil patties that are perfect as a meatless alternative, packed with plant-based protein and rich flavors. These patties are easy to make, pan-fried to golden perfection, and can be served on buns or as a main dish with your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils
- 2½ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- Oil for pan-frying
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly and place them in a saucepan with 2½ cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and allow the lentils to cool slightly.
- Sauté vegetables: While the lentils cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion, garlic and carrot mixture, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add binding agent: Add the egg (or flax egg for a vegan option) to the mixture and stir well until fully incorporated. Mash the mixture slightly using a fork or potato masher to help it hold together.
- Rest the mixture: Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the oats and breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and bind the mixture properly.
- Shape patties: Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized small patties, shaping them firmly but gently to maintain structure.
- Pan-fry patties: Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Serve the patties warm on buns as vegetarian burgers, accompanied by salad, or as a main dish with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- To make the recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- These patties freeze well; cool completely and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
