These Yellow Lentil Patties are a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients, offering a satisfying and protein-packed option for any meal. The combination of yellow lentils, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for both vegans and non-vegans. Easy to prepare and versatile, these patties can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a great addition to your meal rotation. Serve them with your favorite sauces or sides for a truly delicious experience.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 7 oz (200g) yellow lentils
- 16 fl oz (450ml) water
- 1 medium-sized zucchini (about 7 oz | 190g), grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 oz (85g) almond meal (or about 3/4 cup)
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- About 10 olives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Directions:
- Cook the Lentils:
- Place 7 oz (200g) dried yellow lentils in a pot.
- Add 16 fl oz (450ml) water.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils are soft and cooked.
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate 1 medium-sized zucchini.
- Place the grated zucchini in a fine mesh sieve.
- Add a pinch of salt, mix, and set aside for 5 minutes to drain excess water.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Sauté 1 chopped onion in a lightly oiled pan for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for another minute.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and sautéed onion, and mash together.
- Add 3 oz (85g) almond meal (or about 3/4 cup).
- Add the grated zucchini (after squeezing out excess water).
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp Korean chili flakes. Mix well.
- Form the Patties:
- Lightly oil a frying pan.
- Shape the lentil mixture into balls, then flatten into circles to form patties (about 2 oz | 60-70g 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:
- Serve these delicious lentil patties with dairy-free yogurt, salsa, or your favorite sauce.
- Enjoy hot or cold. They are delicious either way!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use as a filling in wraps or sandwiches with fresh greens and your favorite dressing.
- Pair with a dipping sauce like tahini or spicy ketchup for a tasty snack.
- Top with avocado slices and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the recipe to suit your taste.
- You can substitute Korean chili flakes with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Almond meal can be replaced with any flour of your choice.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent soggy patties.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Yellow Lentils: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives: Provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Almond Meal: Adds healthy fats and protein to the patties.
Dietary Information:
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free (if using almond meal)
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free (if substituting almond meal with a different flour)
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
Storage:
- Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 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. With their easy preparation and delicious flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them as a main dish, a snack, or a sandwich filling, these patties offer wholesome goodness in every bite. Try them today and discover a new favorite recipe in your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the lentil patties?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or on a stovetop before serving.
- What can I use instead of almond meal?
- You can substitute almond meal with any flour of your choice, such as chickpea flour, oat flour, or regular all-purpose flour.
- Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Are yellow lentils the same as red lentils?
- Yellow lentils are similar to red lentils in texture but have a slightly different flavor. Both can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
- Can I add other vegetables to the patties?
- Absolutely! You can add grated carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Is this recipe suitable for kids?
- Yes, these patties are kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family. You can adjust the spices to suit your child’s taste preferences.
- How can I make the patties spicier?
- To make the patties spicier, add more Korean chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- What can I serve with these patties?
- Serve the patties with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or as a filling in wraps and sandwiches. They also pair well with dipping sauces like tahini or yogurt-based dips.
- Can I make the patties ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the patties ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
- How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
- Make sure to drain excess moisture from the zucchini and cook the lentils until soft. Adding the almond meal helps bind the mixture, but you can also use a flax egg or breadcrumbs if needed.