These Yellow Lentil Patties are a delightful and nutritious option for a meal or snack. Packed with protein and flavor, they’re easy to make and perfect for both vegans and non-vegans. Enjoy them hot or cold with your favorite sauces or sides.
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 7 oz (200 g) yellow lentils
- 16 fl oz (450 ml) water
- 1 medium-sized zucchini (about 7 oz | 190 g), grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 oz (85 g) almond meal
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- About 10 olives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
Directions:
- Cook the Lentils:
- Place 7 oz (200 g) yellow lentils in a pot and add 16 fl oz (450 ml) of water.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked. Drain any excess water.
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a fine mesh sieve.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, mix, and let sit for 5 minutes to drain excess water. Squeeze out any remaining moisture.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and sautéed onion. Mash together until well mixed.
- Add the almond meal, grated zucchini (after squeezing out excess water), chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Korean chili flakes. Mix well.
- Form the Patties:
- Lightly oil a frying pan.
- Shape the lentil mixture into balls and then flatten them into patties (about 2 oz | 60-70 g each).
- Cook the Patties:
- Cook the patties over medium heat with the lid on for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the patties hot or cold with dairy-free yogurt, salsa, or your favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dish: Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Snack: Enjoy as a standalone snack.
- Sandwich or Wrap: Use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Cooking Tips:
- Customize Flavor: Add your favorite herbs and spices to personalize the flavor.
- Substitute Spices: Korean chili flakes can be replaced with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Alternative Flour: Almond meal can be substituted with any flour of your choice.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Yellow Lentils: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Vegetables: Zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Dietary Information:
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free (if using almond meal)
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free (if substituting almond meal with a different flour)
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Enjoy them hot or cold, with various sauces and sides.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
Conclusion:
These Yellow Lentil Patties are a versatile and nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Easy to prepare and delicious, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and delightful flavors of this recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?
- Yellow lentils work best for this recipe due to their texture and flavor. If you use other lentils, you might need to adjust the cooking time and texture of the patties.
2. Can I make these patties ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them before serving.
3. Can I freeze the patties?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a pan or oven.
4. What can I use instead of almond meal?
- You can substitute almond meal with other types of flour, such as oat flour, chickpea flour, or regular all-purpose flour, depending on your dietary preferences.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
- Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them down to reduce excess moisture before adding them to the mixture.
6. How can I make these patties spicier?
- Increase the amount of Korean chili flakes or add additional spices such as cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
7. Can I substitute the olives with something else?
- Yes, you can use capers, chopped pickles, or leave them out altogether if you prefer.
8. What can I serve with these patties?
- These patties pair well with dairy-free yogurt, salsa, or a fresh side salad. They can also be used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
9. How do I ensure the patties stay together while cooking?
- Make sure the lentils are well-cooked and drained, and add the almond meal to help bind the mixture. If needed, adjust the consistency with more almond meal or flour.
10. Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Happy cooking! 😊