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 to make veggie patties stick together? ›

Adding flour or oats can help the burgers stick together, without using eggs.

What is lentil burger made of? ›

Mix onion, egg, bell pepper, and bread crumbs with the lentils; add mozzarella cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper to the lentils and mix. Divide the mixture into four equally sized portions, roll into balls, and flatten into patties.

Why do my lentil burgers fall apart? ›

Not using a binder to hold the ingredients together.

A good veggie burger isn't just, well, veggies — it needs a binder, something to hold all the ingredients together and keep the burger intact. Without a binder, your burger might completely crumble and fall apart the second it hits the grill or when you bite into it.

What is the best binder for veggie patties? ›

Common binding agents include flax eggs (a mixture of ground flaxseed and water), chia seeds, mashed potatoes, tapioca flour, or even your favorite nut butter. These ingredients help hold everything together and prevent your burger from crumbling.

Is lentil good or bad for you? ›

Highly nutritious. Lentils are often overlooked, even though they're an inexpensive way of getting a wide variety of nutrients. For example, they're packed with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Lentils are made up of more than 25% protein, which makes them an excellent meat alternative.

Which lentils to replace ground beef? ›

Add 1 cup of dry lentils plus 2 cups broth or water when the tomatoes/tomato sauce are added to the pot, then simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Red lentils work well because they break down as they cook and thicken the sauce, but brown or green lentils could also work.

Why is lentil as anything closing? ›

All three Melbourne locations of Lentil As Anything, the pay-what-you-feel restaurant that opened in 2000, will permanently close their doors on February 27. Founder Shanaka Fernando cited a downturn in trade, loss of volunteers and repayment of debts as the reasons for the decision.

How to keep a veggie burger from falling apart? ›

If you're tired of ending up with a crumbly mess on your plate, then you might need to rethink how you keep your veggie burgers intact. Before hitting the grill or pan, one major tip is to use a binding agent with your burger, such as egg or breadcrumbs, to help hold the patty together.

How to make a veggie burger that doesn't fall apart? ›

Short grain brown rice, panko bread crumbs, and ground flaxseed help these burgers hold together. DON'T use long-grain brown rice here. It's not as sticky as short grain rice, so it doesn't yield cohesive patties.

How do you keep patties from falling apart? ›

The very low fat content of the hamburger probably has something to do with it, but there are a couple of tricks you can use: Add 1 egg yolk per pound of hamburger. It won't add appreciably to the fat content and will bind the meat beautifully.

How do you keep homemade patties from falling apart? ›

We recommend simply shaping the beef into a vague burger shape with the least amount handling as possible. Or if you'd rather work smarter than harder, you can also use a stuffed burger press like the Big Boy Burger Binder, which shapes the perfect burger every time. Go easy on the flipping too.

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