Calling all vegetarians and anyone looking for a delicious and healthy protein alternative! These Savory Spiced Lentil Patties are here to tantalize your taste buds. Packed with red lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of Korean chili flakes for a flavor kick, these patties are not only satisfying but incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 200g (1 cup) red split lentils
- 500ml (2 cups) water
- 150g (2 cups) broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 50g (1 3/4 cups) spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 5 tablespoons cornmeal
- Chickpea crumbs or breadcrumbs (amount as needed)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
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Cook the lentils: Start by rinsing your red split lentils. In a saucepan, combine them with water and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are nice and tender. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid.
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Steam the broccoli: While the lentils are simmering, steam your broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Set the steamed broccoli aside for later.
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and grated carrots, and sauté them for 5 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant aroma.
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Combine the mixture: In a large bowl, gather your cooked lentils, steamed broccoli florets, sautéed vegetables, chopped spinach, Korean chili flakes (adjust for your spice preference), ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Using a masher or fork, roughly mash the mixture together. You want to maintain some texture in the lentils and broccoli for a delightful bite.
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Form the patties: Now comes the fun part! Add the cornmeal one tablespoon at a time, mixing it in after each addition. This helps bind the mixture together. Keep adding cornmeal until the mixture reaches a consistency that allows you to form firm patties that hold their shape. If needed, add chickpea crumbs or breadcrumbs for extra binding. Finally, shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size.
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Pan-fry the patties: Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add your lentil patties and cook them for 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown and crispy exterior.
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Serve: Plate your delicious Savory Spiced Lentil Patties and enjoy them hot! They’re fantastic on their own, with a side salad for added freshness, or nestled in a burger bun with your favorite toppings for a complete and satisfying meal.
More Information:
- Don’t have Korean chili flakes? You can substitute them with regular chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Want to make them vegan? Simply omit the chickpea crumbs or breadcrumbs and use an extra tablespoon of cornmeal for binding.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
These Savory Spiced Lentil Patties are a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor and texture, and can be enjoyed in various ways. So next time you’re looking for a satisfying and healthy meal option, give this recipe a try!