Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
These Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) are a delicious and healthy snack option. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a quick bite, these patties combine the earthy flavor of lentils with aromatic spices. The crispy exterior and soft interior make them irresistible, especially when paired with a zesty lemon tahini dip. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these lentil patties are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes total preparation and cooking time, you can whip up these tasty patties in no time.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as appetizers, snacks, or even in wraps; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with protein and fiber, these lentil patties are a nutritious addition to your meal plan.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without any animal products, they cater to vegan diets while still being hearty and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful lentil patties, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen arsenal.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Helps blend the ingredients smoothly for a consistent texture in the patties.
- Frying pan: Provides even heat for frying the patties to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 2 cups dry red lentils, rinsed & soaked overnight
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ tablespoon chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Sea salt & pepper to taste
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil for frying
For the Lemon Tahini Dip
- ⅓ cup runny tahini
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- Sea salt to taste
- Water to thin
- Fresh parsley, minced
- Squeeze of lemon
How to Make Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
Rinse the soaked lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Mixture
In a food processor, combine the drained lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, chickpea flour, coriander, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper. Pulse until you achieve a coarse mixture.
Step 3: Form Patties
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties about 2 inches wide.
Step 4: Fry the Patties
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties in batches. Fry each side for about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Tahini Dip
In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon on top along with the lemon tahini dip on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) as a delightful snack or appetizer!
How to Serve Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
These Easy Lentil Patties are versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair them with different sides or dips to elevate your meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
As a Snack
- Serve them warm with a side of lemon tahini dip for a quick, healthy snack.
In a Wrap
- Place lentil patties in a whole-grain wrap with fresh veggies and sauce for a satisfying lunch.
On a Salad
- Top your favorite greens with lentil patties for added protein and texture, drizzling with the lemon tahini dip.
As an Appetizer
- Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
With Dipping Sauces
- Offer assorted dips like hummus or tzatziki alongside the lentil patties for variety in flavor.
How to Perfect Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Easy Lentil Patties, consider these helpful tips.
- Soak the Lentils: Rinsing and soaking the lentils overnight helps them cook evenly and enhances their flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients gently to maintain a good texture. Overmixing can make patties dense.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming patties. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices significantly boost flavor. Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley.
- Test Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. This helps achieve crispy edges while keeping them moist inside.
- Keep Them Small: Form smaller patties for quicker cooking and better crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
Pairing your Easy Lentil Patties with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs makes a nutritious companion.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and flavor, balancing the richness of the lentil patties.
- Tabbouleh: A bright tabbouleh salad made with parsley, mint, bulgur, and lemon for a zesty side dish.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs provides a light yet filling addition.
- Hummus Platter: Serve with assorted hummus flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic for dipping alongside the patties.
- Cucumber Yogurt Salad: Creamy yogurt mixed with cucumber and dill offers a cool contrast to the warm lentil patties.
- Pita Bread: Soft pita bread works well for scooping up lentil patties or dips; toast it for extra crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition while keeping the meal light and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Not soaking lentils properly: Soaking lentils overnight ensures they cook evenly and blend well. Skipping this step can lead to uneven texture.
- Skipping seasoning: Lentils need flavor! Ensure you season the mixture well with salt and spices to enhance the taste of your patties.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many patties at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy patties. Fry in batches for a crispy exterior.
- Using the wrong type of lentils: Make sure to use red lentils for this recipe. Other types may not yield the same texture or flavor.
- Not letting them cool before storing: Storing hot patties can create moisture and make them soggy. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in containers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure patties are completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
- Freeze patties in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) that can help clarify any doubts:
Can I make Easy Lentil Patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form patties, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with Easy Lentil Patties?
These delicious patties pair well with salads, pita bread, or even as a topping for grain bowls.
How do I customize Easy Lentil Patties?
Feel free to add any spices or herbs you love. Adding chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also enhance flavor and nutrition.
Are Easy Lentil Patties gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses chickpea flour instead of traditional bread crumbs.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) are not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize them with various spices or serve them alongside different dips. They make a perfect appetizer or snack that everyone will enjoy. Try this recipe today and discover your new favorite dish!
Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) are a delightful and nutritious snack that brings together the earthy goodness of lentils and vibrant spices. These patties boast a crispy exterior while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside, making them perfect for any occasion—whether as appetizers at a gathering or as part of your meal prep. The zesty lemon tahini dip elevates each bite, adding a refreshing contrast. Ideal for vegans and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their diet, these lentil patties are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry red lentils
- 1 medium white onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ tablespoon chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Sea salt & pepper to taste
- 4–5 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- ⅓ cup runny tahini
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- Sea salt to taste
- Water to thin
- Fresh parsley, minced
- Squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the lentils overnight. Drain well.
- Blend lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, chickpea flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a food processor until coarse.
- Form the mixture into small patties (about 2 inches wide).
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat; fry patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- For the dip, whisk tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and water to desired consistency; stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (45g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
