In terms of food, I really enjoy dishes that are versatile enough to be turned into sandwiches, and these red lentil patties rank among our top red lentil recipes. What I appreciate most is that I can prepare them one day and savor them as croquettes, and then repurpose them as burgers the following day. They’re a practical and delicious choice.
I enjoy adding chopped jalapeños to these patties, but I’ve made sure to list them as an optional ingredient. I understand that not everyone has a taste for spicy patties, especially when sharing with kids. What I typically do for my family is prepare the mixture with all the ingredients, excluding the jalapeños. Then, I set aside a portion for my kids without the spicy kick and add the jalapeños to the part meant for my husband and myself. This way, we all get to enjoy the patties and I don’t have to cook something separately for the kids.
Let’s Make Ren Lentil Patties
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 Cups Red lentils
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Cup Carrot, shredded and patted dry
- 1/3 Cup Red onion, chopped
- 1/4 Cilantro, chopped
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 1 Jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper or to taste
- Preffered oil for panfrying, or you can also bake them.
If you are eating them as they are:
- Favorite sauce
- Or try our tartar sauce recipe.
If you are eating them as burgers:
- Brioche buns
- Favorite burger toppings!
Instructions:
- Soak red lentils in water for about two hours, then rinse and drain very well.
- In a food processor or blender, mix the red lentils until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Preheat a pan with the oil, or preheat oven at 400 F degrees.
- Form the patties by filling a 1/3 cup with the mixture, then scopping them out to the hot pan with oil, or baking sheet if you are baking them.
- Cooking:
- If pan frying, cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until crisp, then place the patties on a plate with paper towels, to drain extra oil.
- If baking, bake for 10 minutes, then flip, and bake the other side for another 7-10 minutes.
- Serve them as burgers, or croquettes with your favorite toppings.
Soaking And Draining The Red Lentils
Taking the time to soak and drain the red lentils might seem a bit of a hassle, but trust me, it makes a noticeable difference in achieving that desirable crispiness. Here’s what I usually do: after placing the red lentils in a colander or strainer, I gently press them with paper towels until they’re well drained. This method not only allows the excess water to flow into the sink but also helps absorb as much moisture as possible from the top and sides using the paper towels. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure your red lentils turn out just right for your recipe.
Pat drying the Carrots
Drying the carrots might appear as an optional step, one you might be tempted to skip. However, let me assure you, it’s a quick and easy process that only requires a few seconds of gently squeezing those carrots with paper towels. Taking this small extra step ensures that you’re well on your way to creating the most delicious red lentil patties possible.
What I really appreciate about this red lentil recipe is that it offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce all the nutritious benefits that red lentils have to offer to my kids.
It’s fantastic to see how much they enjoy eating these patties, especially when paired with ketchup and some crispy baked fries. This way, not only are they savoring a delicious meal, but they’re also getting the goodness of red lentils in a kid-friendly and enjoyable manner. It’s a win-win for both taste and nutrition.
Probably my favorite way to eat this red lentil patties is as burgers, so when I’m serving these red lentil patties as burgers, my go-to combination includes a delightful mix of ketchup and a touch of red hot sauce for that zesty kick. I also like to add some creamy smashed avocado to lend a rich, velvety contrast, a slice of cheddar cheese and thinly sliced red onions for a hint of sharpness. And for those who appreciate a bit of heat, I serve grilled jalapeños on the side, giving everyone the option to add a spicy punch to their burger.
As previously mentioned, these red lentil patties are not only fantastic as burgers but also make for a delightful treat when enjoyed as croquettes. When I opt not to include jalapeños in the mix, I tend to pair them with the spiciest sauce I can find in the house, adding a kick of heat that I enjoy.
However, when I do decide to make these patties with jalapeños, I find that they pair exceptionally well with our homemade tartar sauce (you can find the recipe link here). The contrast between the wholesome, healthy patties and the creamy, tangy tartar sauce creates a balance of flavors that is super tasty. It’s a combination that I truly relish, and they can be served as an appetizer for the next day’s meal. So, whether you’re in the mood for a bit of heat or the soothing creaminess of tartar sauce, these red lentil patties have you covered for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
We hope you enjoyed reading one of our best red lentil recipes, this red lentil patties offer a simple and versatile way to enjoy a tasty meal. Whether you’re making them as croquettes or burgers, with or without optional toppings, it’s a satisfying dish that can be adapted to suit different preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce the goodness of red lentils to your family, making mealtime both delicious and nutritious.
If you give this recipe a try or inspires you to create a similar recipe, we would love to know everything about it! Pictures, comments, questions, suggestions, we want it all, you can comment on the section below, or you can always contact us here.
