These Fried Lentil Patties are crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and packed with simple, wholesome ingredients. Made with tender lentils, fresh onion, garlic, herbs, and warm spices, they’re an easy and satisfying meal or snack.
They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or serving as a delicious appetizer. Enjoy them tucked inside pita bread, alongside a fresh salad, or with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. Even better, they’re budget-friendly and a wonderful way to turn everyday lentils into something special!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes, plus soaking time
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes, plus soaking time
- Servings: 4 (about 12 patties)
- Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
Red Lentil Falafel Pita Sandwich Recipe
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
منيو توصيل مندي الكيف في الزهرة، الهفوف | هنقرستيشن
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Lentils in a bowl of glass on wooden board.
Step 1: Soak the lentils
Rinse the lentils under cold running water and remove any small stones or debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak for 4–6 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.
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Step 2: Cook the lentils
Transfer the soaked lentils to a saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain very well and let them cool slightly.
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Step 3: Mash the lentils
Place the cooked lentils in a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until most are broken down, leaving a few whole lentils for texture. Avoid turning them into a completely smooth paste.
Step 4: Add the flavor ingredients
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix everything until evenly combined.
Gelbe-Linsen-Taler • Tiny Spoon
Step 5: Bind the mixture
Add the egg, breadcrumbs, and flour. Stir until the mixture becomes thick enough to shape. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Step 6: Shape the patties
Divide the mixture into approximately 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small round patty about ½ inch thick. Place them on a plate or baking tray.
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Step 7: Chill the patties
Place the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to turn during frying.
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Step 8: Fry until golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan without overcrowding. Fry for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side, until deeply golden and heated through. Work in batches if necessary.
Lencsefasírt sajtkrémes mártogatóssal – Nők Lapja
Step 9: Prepare the dipping sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, fresh dill or parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Linsenbratlinge mit Joghurtsauce – Rezept
Step 10: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the golden lentil patties to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce, lemon wedges, or a fresh vegetable salad.
Tips for Perfect Fried Lentil Patties
- Drain the lentils well: Excess moisture can make the mixture difficult to shape.
- Don’t overcook the lentils: They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Mash partially: Leaving some lentils whole creates a better texture.
- Use enough binding: Breadcrumbs and egg help the patties stay together.
- Chill before frying: This makes the patties firmer and easier to handle.
- Avoid high heat: Medium heat helps the patties brown without burning before they’re heated through.
Delicious Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Lentil Patties: Add cayenne pepper, extra chili flakes, or finely chopped green chilies.
2. Mediterranean Lentil Patties: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and a little crumbled feta cheese.
3. Vegan Lentil Patties: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes). Use vegan breadcrumbs.
4. Vegetable Lentil Patties: Add ¼ cup finely grated carrot or zucchini. Squeeze excess moisture from the vegetables before mixing.
5. Cheesy Lentil Patties: Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness.
What to Serve with Fried Lentil Patties
These patties pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
- Homemade hummus and warm pita bread.
- Creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
- Mediterranean chopped salad.
- Roasted vegetables.
- Rice pilaf or quinoa.
- Fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooked and cooled patties in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked patties in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.
Make Ahead: Prepare and shape the patties up to one day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and fry when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my lentil patties falling apart?
The mixture may contain too much moisture or not enough binding ingredients. Drain the lentils thoroughly, add extra breadcrumbs if needed, and chill the patties before frying.
2. Can I use canned lentils?
Yes! Drain and rinse canned lentils very well, then pat them dry. Use approximately 1½ cups cooked lentils for this recipe. You can skip the soaking and boiling steps.
3. Can I bake these lentil patties instead of frying them?
Yes. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Are fried lentil patties vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan breadcrumbs.
5. Which lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils work best because they hold their shape after cooking. Red lentils tend to become softer and can make the patties more delicate.
Printable Recipe Card
Fried Lentil Patties
Linsenlaibchen mit Joghurtdip Rezept – ichkoche.at
Crispy golden lentil patties made with herbs, garlic, onion, and warm spices. Perfect for a vegetarian lunch, snack, or appetizer.
PREP TIME
20 minutes
COOK TIME
20 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes + soaking
SERVINGS
4 (12 patties)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse and soak lentils for 4–6 hours or overnight.
- Drain and simmer in fresh water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Drain thoroughly and partially mash the lentils.
- Mix in onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and seasonings.
- Add egg, breadcrumbs, and flour. Mix until thick.
- Shape into 12 small patties.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
- Fry in medium-hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with garlic yogurt sauce.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Approximate values for 3 patties, excluding dipping sauce.
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 9 g
