Sweet Potato Patties with Red Lentils & Tangy Tahini Dressing – Healthy & Flavorful

A Delightful Dish: Sweet Potato Patties with Red Lentils & Tangy Tahini Dressing

Hello, dear food lovers! Do you fancy a dish that’s not just healthy but bursting with flavor? Today, I am thrilled to share with you my oh-so-delicious recipe for Sweet Potato Patties with Red Lentils accompanied by a zesty Tahini Dressing. This meal is not only simple to whip up but also packed with nutrients and fantastic taste. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Nutritional Benefits

Let’s chat about why these sweet potato patties are a wonderful addition to your meals. Sweet potatoes are fantastic sources of fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which is great for your vision and immune health. Red lentils, on the other hand, are packed with protein and iron, making them perfect for a plant-based diet. When you combine these wholesome ingredients, you’re creating a nourishing meal that offers energy and satisfaction. Plus, you get to enjoy it guilt-free!

Fun Adaptable Variations

• Herb Infusion: Bring in fresh herbs! Adding chopped spinach, dill, or parsley can enhance the nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in some chopped jalapeños or mix in some cayenne pepper.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or even ground oats for a lighter texture!
• More Veggies: Try adding grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture for an extra veggie boost.

Easy Sweet Potato Patties Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
• 3 green onions (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Lentils: In a saucepan, combine the red lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until soft. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: While the lentils are cooking, peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until tender, which takes about 15 minutes. Once done, mash them up in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the cooled red lentils, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything until it’s well combined and the mixture feels cohesive.
4. Form Patties: With your hands, form the mixture into small, uniform patties. You should be able to create around 8-10 patties depending on the sizes you choose.
5. Heat Oil in Skillet: In a large frying pan, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet—just don’t overcrowd them! Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy.
6. Prepare Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of salt. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, adjusting until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange a bed of fresh greens (like lettuce or spinach) on a plate. Place your lovely sweet potato patties on top, drizzle generously with the tahini dressing, and finish with sliced green onions and chopped herbs.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• For a crunchier texture, let the formed patties chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying.
• If you want to save time, you can bake the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
• Leftovers? Store patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or skillet.
• This recipe freezes well! Freeze the uncooked patties, and when needed, just sauté them straight from the freezer.

Equipment Needed

Before you dive into cooking, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

• A saucepan (for cooking lentils)
• A large mixing bowl (to combine all ingredients)
• A masher (for sweet potatoes)
• A frying pan (for cooking the patties)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk (for the tahini dressing)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these patties ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare and form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them or even freeze them for later.
2. What can I serve with these patties? They are fantastic with a simple side salad, quinoa, or even tucked in a whole grain wrap.
3. Can I make these patties in the oven? Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier version.
4. Are these patties suitable for meal prep? Yes, they’re perfect for meal prep! Just store them in individual containers for easy reheating during the week.
5. Can I use other types of lentils? While red lentils work best for this recipe, you could try green lentils, but they might change the texture a little.

I’d really love for you to try this recipe! It’s one of my favorites and I hope it becomes one of yours too. After you whip up these tasty patties, let me know how they turned out! Snap a picture and share it on Pinterest. I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!