Lentil Patties

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These bite-sized lentil patties are crispy on the outside yet soft and flavorful on the inside. Pair them with a side of garlicky lemon tahini dip, and we promise you’ll be licking your fingers clean!

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and easy to make: A few simple ingredients and about 40 minutes are all you need to make incredibly flavorful vegan lentil patties!
• Low-calorie and nutritious: One little patty provides you with 4 grams of plant-based protein and 20% of your daily iron needs!
• Meatless appetizer: Serve these up at your next party or potluck, and you’ll be sure to impress vegans and meat-eaters alike.
• Customizable: Pair them with tahini or yogurt-based dip, switch up the seasonings, or air fry the patties for a healthier option.

If you enjoy vegan snacks and appetizers, you’ll go crazy for these crispy vegan “chicken” tenders, air fryer pizza rolls, and baked buffalo cauliflower wings.

🧆 What are lentil patties?

More correctly known as lentil kofte, these vegan lentil patties are a type of meatless meatball made primarily from red lentils.

While there are endless possibilities when it comes to ingredients, our lentil patties receive their delicious flavor and texture from mashed lentils, chickpea flour, tomato paste, onion, garlic, and spices like coriander and Italian seasoning.

Lentils are one of the first real superfoods we learned about when going vegan. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and iron, making them an ideal choice for both vegans and vegetarians.

This is a perfect finger food to serve before dinner or as a snack on the go. Alternatively, you can easily make a complete meal by serving the patties with rice and veggies or adding a few on top of your favorite salads.

📜 History

Lentils were first discovered in 8,000 B.C. in the Middle East, but they’ve since made their way into virtually every country around the world. These days, you can find them in just about any grocery store or market!

This recipe emulates kofte (or kofta), which is a type of meatball dish found in various Balkan, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines. The earliest known kofte recipes appeared in Arab cookbooks, and they included ground lamb mixed with saffron and eggs.

Nowadays, kofte is popular throughout countries like India, Iran, Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, and Turkey.

🌱 Is kofte vegan?

Traditionally, kofte is made with lamb, pork, mutton, beef, or chicken as the base ingredient. To make a vegan version, simply swap out the meat for red lentils!

Thanks to their high protein, fiber, and iron content, lentils are widely consumed by vegetarians and vegans as a meat substitute. Since they are so versatile, you can add them to dishes like this as the perfect meat-free option.

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Lentils: The best option is red lentils as they are easier to mash and form into patties. Usually yellow or orange in color, they add protein, fiber, and a chewy texture that is reminiscent of meat. If you can’t find red lentils, brown or green lentils will work as well.
• Onion: A classic flavor enhancer. We prefer using white onions because they are generally milder but you can also add yellow onions for a similar taste.
• Garlic: Since lentils don’t have a ton of flavor on their own, the pungent and savory flavor of garlic really helps to round out the taste.
• Tomato paste: A little bit of tomato paste goes a long way in adding depth of flavor and a slight sweetness to these lentil patties. If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, use ketchup or BBQ sauce instead.
• Chickpea flour: Also called garbanzo flour, this gluten-free flour helps bind the patties together. It also gives them a little crispiness on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, substitute it with quinoa or almond flour.
• Seasonings: We opted for the classic Italian flavors of oregano, basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, savory, and marjoram. Together, these herbs create a fragrant, earthy flavor that pairs well with the lemon tahini dip. To be honest, we usually just use a store-bought version, but you can easily make your own if you’re feeling a little extra fancy.
• Tahini: A rich and creamy sesame paste that makes an excellent dipping sauce for these lentil patties. It has a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the earthy taste of the patties.
• Lemon juice: The acidity brightens up the flavors and adds a bit of zing to the tahini dip. If you don’t have lemon, use apple cider vinegar instead.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make lentil patties

Step 1: Soak the lentils

Rinse and soak the red lentils in enough water to cover the top layer. They will expand, so be generous with the amount of water you use. We also suggest soaking them overnight, but definitely for at least 2-3 hours.

Step 2: Form the mixture

After the lentils have soaked, drain them and add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, tomato paste, chickpea flour, and seasonings.

Step 3: Blend the lentils

Pulse everything together until you have a fairly smooth batter. It’s okay if there are a few chunks, or if it seems a little runny at this point. The patties will firm up once they are cooked!

Step 4: Fry the lentil patties

Heat some olive or grapeseed oil in a frying pan on medium. Form bite-sized patties in your hands, flattening them slightly. Fry them in batches of about 5-6 on each side until they are golden brown.

Step 5: Make the dip

While the patties cool, whip up some lemon tahini dip by combining runny tahini with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water. For extra flavor, we sometimes add fresh minced parsley as well!

Step 6: Assemble and serve

Serve the patties with a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a good amount of tahini dip for a delicious snack or appetizer.

If you have questions about making lentil patties, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥗 What to serve with lentil patties

Turn your lentil patties into a full-on meal by serving them with side dishes like these:

• Air fryer green beans: Fresh, vibrant, and healthy roasted green beans.
• Mediterranean couscous salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with crispy vegetables and a citrus-infused vinaigrette.
• White rice: A classic addition to any meal.

🌡️ Storage & reheating

Lentil patties can be prepared ahead of time, making them the perfect dish for meal prep or large gatherings. Here’s what to do for leftovers or making them in advance:

• Fridge: Store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also keep the raw batter in your fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Excess batter can be placed in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for more lentil patties.
• Reheating: You can use an oven or a microwave oven, but we prefer frying it the same way as described above. For a healthier option, use the air fryer to reheat your patties.

♻️ Variations

• Vegetables: If you want to add some extra veggies to your patties, try shredded carrots, chopped mushrooms, grated cauliflower, or finely diced bell peppers.
• Spices: Further enhance the flavors by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even some curry powder.
• Dips: Prepare various dips like our vegan tartar sauce, tzatziki sauce, dairy-free sour cream, or guacamole to serve alongside your patties.
• Homemade Italian mix: Instead of pre-made seasoning, make your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and marjoram.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Soak the lentils: This is an important step in ensuring a tender, meaty texture. Don’t forget to soak the lentils for at least a few hours!
• Don’t overmix: Try not to overwork the mixture or else the patties will be dense and tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Firm up your patties: If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands with cold water or olive oil to avoid the patties from sticking to your hands.
• Test a patty: To prevent burnt outsides with raw insides, cook a single patty to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.

💬 FAQ

🍴 Similar recipes

If you enjoyed these lentil patties, make sure to check out some more of our favorite recipes like these:

• Lentil bolognese: Packed with protein and fiber, this sauce goes perfectly on top of any pasta.
• Lentil loaf: A plant-based version of meatloaf featuring lentils, vegetables, and hearty seasonings.
• Socca pizza: A Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring a gluten-free chickpea flour crust.
• Vegan fettuccine alfredo: A smooth and creamy white sauce made dairy-free.

Note: We’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.