Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup red lentils, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups water
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup button mushrooms, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Binding Ingredients
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly to remove any debris. In a medium pot, combine lentils and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until lentils are soft and tender, about 12-15 minutes. Allow excess water to evaporate towards the end to ensure thick lentils. Drain any remaining liquid and set aside to cool.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and most moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Make the lentil patty mixture: In a large bowl or food processor, combine cooked lentils, sautéed vegetable mixture, Italian seasoning, cumin, paprika, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Pulse or mix until just combined, maintaining some texture. If the mixture is too soft, add breadcrumbs gradually until it can hold shape.
- Shape the patties: Scoop approximately ¼ cup of the mixture at a time and form into patties. Place them on a large baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook the patties: Choose your cooking method:
Pan Fry: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Cook patties in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through until golden brown.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook patties in batches for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and crispy. - Serve: Serve the crispy lentil patties warm with homemade tzatziki sauce or yogurt. They also make excellent lentil burgers or sliders.
Notes
- Make sure the lentils are cooked until very soft and drained well to prevent soggy patties.
- If the patty mixture is too wet, add extra breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until it can hold shape.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg or another binder of choice.
- These patties can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference—add more spices or herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian