These popular Red Lentil Patties are perfect for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast meals. They go quickly, and are sure to become part of your go-to recipes.
Easy Red Lentil Patties for Lunch or Dinner
These delicious Red Lentil Patties are packed with wholesome ingredients, and are bursting with flavor. They make a nutritious and satisfying meal. Perfectly suited for those following a gluten-free diet, these burgers are not only delicious but also rich in protein, dairy-free and egg-free. Simple and easy to make.
Whether enjoyed on a bun as a burger or served alongside your favorite sides, these flavorful patties are sure to become a staple in your plant-based repertoire for lunch or dinner. Kid-friendly and family friendly patties for any occassion.
About This Recipe
Recipe Notes
- Let the mixture cool slightly before shaping if needed
- If the mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs or oats
- Slightly wet hands make shaping easier
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking
- Cook until deeply golden for the best texture
How to Serve Red Lentil Patties
In Grain Bowls
Serve with quinoa, rice, roasted vegetables, and tahini dressing for a balanced meal.
In Wraps or Pitas
Stuff into pita bread or wraps with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and vegan sauce.
With Salads
Pair with fresh salads or crunchy slaws for an easy lunch or light dinner.
With Dipping Sauces
Serve with tahini sauce, vegan garlic sauce, tzatziki, or spicy sauces for appetizers or snack plates.
As a Burger Alternative
Use the patties on buns with toppings for a hearty plant-based sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils as a shortcut, but you may need to adjust the recipe slightly since canned lentils are already cooked. Drain and rinse the canned lentils before using them in the recipe, and consider reducing the cooking time accordingly.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the patties for a healthier cooking method. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy.
Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?
Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add extra herbs, spices, or even a splash of hot sauce to amp up the flavor of the patties.
Can I make the patties without flaxseed?
Yes, if you prefer not to use flaxseed, you can try substituting it with chia seeds, or an egg substitute, as a binding agent. Alternatively, you can omit the flaxseed altogether, but the patties may be slightly more delicate.
Can I serve these patties with a sauce or dip?
Absolutely! These lentil patties pair well with a variety of sauces and dips such as tahini sauce, tzatziki, barbecue sauce, or a spicy chipotle mayo. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Are these patties suitable for kids?
Yes, these lentil patties are kid-friendly and can be a nutritious option for children. You can customize the seasoning to suit their taste preferences and serve them in a bun with their favorite toppings for a fun and tasty meal.
Can I make these patties on a grill?
While these patties are typically pan-fried, you can also cook them on a grill for a smoky flavor. Use a grill pan or grill basket to prevent them from sticking, and cook them over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are heated through and have grill marks.
Planning Ahead Tips
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Red Lentil Patties
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 6 tablespoons water
- 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying (olive oil or other vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water and drain them.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red lentils and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and form a flax "egg." Set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion for 2 -3 minutes in a tablespoon of oil. Add carrot and garlic and sauté for 2-3 more minutes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Add the sautéed chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, rolled oats, flax "egg," nutritional yeast (if using), ground cumin, smoked paprika, pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper to the mashed lentils. Stir until well combined.
- Shape the lentil mixture into patties of your desired size and thickness.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the lentil patties to the skillet (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet).
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the lentil patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Vegan Red Lentil Patties hot with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo, or enjoy them plain as a tasty protein-packed snack.
Note from the Editor
My favorite thing to do when I make any type of vegan burgers, patties, and meatballs is to make a 2nd batch to simply freeze. They are so convenient to simply pop into the toaster oven or air fryer for several minutes for a quick lunch sandwich.
