Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (2024)

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Lentils are one of the most versatile protein options you can add to your menu. This easy lentil patties recipe is going to transform your menu. Not only are they ready in just 30-minutes, but they also are flavorful, packed with protein, and versatile to serve alone or as a sandwich.

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Lentil Patties Recipe
  • What is the Best Lentil For This Recipe?
  • Do I Need to Soak Lentils Before Cooking Them?
  • Can I Use Canned Lentils?
  • Can I Use Different Herbs?
  • How do You Serve Lentil Patties?
  • Are These Lentil Patties Vegan?
  • Ingredients
  • Handy Kitchen Tools
  • How to Make Homemade Lentil Patties
  • More Vegetarian Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

Lentil Patties Recipe

I have tried a number of different lentil burgers and patties, and these are some of the most flavorful. I like something mild so they can go with any toppings, but they shouldn't be bland.

If you like lentils and need more ideas of how to use them in your menu, make sure you check out this spicy red lentil curry recipe or this flavorful chicken Dhansak curry with lentils. Both are an excellent ways to use those extra dry lentils.

What is the Best Lentil For This Recipe?

I prefer using red lentils in recipes like this because they cook faster and soften easier. So, I can have them ready in no time rather than waiting hours for them to cook.

If you don't mind a longer cooking time, then green lentils are another popular option found in most markets. While black lentils are common in some areas, they are not easy to find in markets so not a great choice for this recipe.

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (2)

Do I Need to Soak Lentils Before Cooking Them?

No. One of the benefits of using dry lentils is that they do not need to be soaked. They typically cook to a softened texture anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes. This depends upon your desired texture and the type of lentils.

For this recipe, red lentils are used which can take as little as 10 minutes up to 30-minutes to cook. They do not need to be mushy for this recipe, just cooked through and tender.

Can I Use Canned Lentils?

You can use canned lentils if you want for this recipe. They will be softer than cooking them on your own and thus may be a bit more moist and mushy in the patty.

If you use canned lentils, make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the rest of the recipe. If you fin the patties are too moist, you can add additional flour by the tablespoon until they are formable.

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Can I Use Different Herbs?

Of course, you can mix up the flavor profile if you prefer. I like using Italian seasonings because they are delicious and readily available in my kitchen. That doesn't mean they are the only options to add to this recipe. Below are some other flavor profiles to try.

  • Taco, fajita, or burrito seasoning blends.
  • Greek seasoning blend.
  • Cajun seasoning blend.
  • Basic salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Curry powder, turmeric, and garam masala.

How do You Serve Lentil Patties?

While these are a bit more Italian in flavor, they aren't overbearing so they can go from your hamburger bun with mayonnaise to on top of pasta with my homemade pasta sauce. Below are some great ideas for how to use this recipe in unique ways.

  • Replace a meat burger and top with any traditional burger toppings including condiments, lettuce, tomato, avocado, or grilled onions and peppers.
  • Serve with Indian chutney's or sauces as an appetizer.
  • Top with jalapeno dip or blue cheese dip for a unique flavor and difference in textures.
  • Wrap in a pita with tzatziki, feta, lettuce, and tomato.
  • Use in any wrap in place of meats.
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Are These Lentil Patties Vegan?

As listed below, these are naturally plant-based and 100% vegan. If you choose to add Parmesan cheese to the mixture or cook in butter, then they are no longer vegan friendly.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil
  • Lentils (red)
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic cloves
  • Fresh thyme
  • All-purpose flour
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Fresh parsley

How to Make Homemade Lentil Patties

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils with ½ teaspoon salt, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until lentils are softened.

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Drain excess liquid from the lentils and set them aside.

In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just turning translucent.

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Add the minced garlic and fresh time to the skillet and stir to combine then remove from heat.

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Place ⅔ of the cooked lentils into a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until mostly smooth.

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In a large bowl, add the whole and pureed lentils, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, fresh parsley, flour, and breadcrumbs together until combined completely.

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Lightly oil the palms of your hands, then divide the mixture into the number of patties you want, and shape them.

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In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the patties into the oil in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the outside and heated through.

Remove and drain on paper towels, then repeat until all patties are cooked.

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (12)

More Vegetarian Recipes

If you like having an arsenal of vegetarian recipes on hand to serve friends and family, look no further! We have some great options to add to your menu. Flavors from around the world create tasty meals that nobody will realize are meat-free. Bookmark, pin, or print the recipes below for your menu!

  • Rich Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
  • Comforting Dutch Oven Vegetable Stew Recipe
  • The Best Veg Manchurian Recipe with Gravy
  • Easy Dutch Oven Cabbage Vegetable Soup
  • 5-Ingredient Spicy Garlic Pasta
  • Delicious Kerala Egg Curry Recipe

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (13)

A fried lentil patties recipe is the perfect protein-packed and delicious dish that is ideal for meat-eaters and the vegetarians at your dinner table!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry red lentils
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils with ½ teaspoon salt, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Once boiling, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until lentils are softened. Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (14)
  3. Drain excess liquid from the lentils and set them aside.
  4. In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just turning translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic and fresh time to the skillet and stir to combine then remove from heat. Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (15)
  6. Place ⅔ of the cooked lentils into a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until mostly smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, add the whole and pureed lentils, Italian seasoning, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, fresh parsley, flour, and breadcrumbs together until combined completely. Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (16)
  8. Lightly oil the palms of your hands, then divide the mixture into the number of patties you want, and shape them. Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (17)
  9. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the patties into the oil in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the outside and heated through.
  10. Remove and drain on paper towels, then repeat until all patties are cooked. Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (18)

Notes

Make the patties ahead of time and freeze on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then move to a freezer storage bag. Pull out and fry when ready to serve.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 428Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 459mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 9gSugar: 2gProtein: 18g

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many calories are in lentil patties? ›

Vegie Delights Lentil Patties (1 patty) contains 7.2g total carbs, 0.9g net carbs, 8.1g fat, 12g protein, and 167 calories.

How to cook lentils split? ›

Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to season with salt after cooking – if salt is added before, the lentils will become tough.

Are cooked lentils high in calories? ›

They are rich in minerals, protein, and fiber. 100 grams (g) of cooked lentils contains : 116 calories (kcal) 9.02 g of protein.

Do cooked lentils have less calories? ›

They have the same ratio calories/protein either cooked or raw. It's just they get most of their weight out of water when you boil them. So you can just eat 3x as many boiled lentils as raw ones (same calories) or you can cook them in a thicker/dryer way if you don't want to eat as much volume.

What happens if you don't soak lentils before cooking? ›

Here's why soaking lentils is important

Fact 1: Soaking lentils improves digestion and nutrition absorption as it can neutralise lectins and phytates present that may cause gas and bloating. Fact 2: Soaking lentils also reduces its cooking time. It also brings prana (life) into the legume.

Why do lentils need to be soaked before cooking? ›

Soaking naturally deactivates the harmful compounds and activates all the goodness of the seed and increases its nutritional value manifold. The process of soaking removes the gas-causing elements from the lentils. While legumes contain complex oligosaccharides, a type of complex sugar responsible for bloating and gas.

What do lentils do for your body? ›

Lentils have plenty of folate, iron and vitamin B1, which also support your heart health. Lentils may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, by lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure. One study found that eating lentils led to greater reductions in blood pressure than eating chickpeas, peas or beans.

How many calories in a lentil veggie burger? ›

Lentil Vegetable Burgers - 4 Pack
Ave Quantity Per ServeAve Quantity Per 100g
(192Cal)(153Cal)
Protein (g)7.56
Fat – Total (g)0.60.5
- Saturated (g)0.30.2
11 more rows

Does lentils have calories? ›

Nutrients per Serving

One-half cup of cooked lentils has: Calories: 140. Fat: 0.5 grams. Carbs: 23 grams.

How many carbs are in lentil cakes? ›

Table of Nutritional Information
per 100gper lentil cake
Carbohydrate64.7g4.9g
of which sugars2.0g0.1g
Fibre4.9g0.3g
Protein21.0g1.6g
4 more rows

How many carbs are in lentil burgers? ›

Lentil burger
Nutrition Facts
How many carbs are in Lentil burger? Amount of carbs in Lentil burger: Carbohydrates 17.2g-
How many net carbs are in Lentil burger? Amount of net carbs in Lentil burger: Net carbs 13g-
How much sugar is in Lentil burger? Amount of sugar in Lentil burger: Sugar 3g-
66 more rows

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