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Mediterranean Lentil Patties

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Mediterranean Lentil Patties (Ready in 30 Minutes)

Description

Mediterranean Lentil Patties are crispy on the outside, tender in the centre, and packed with hearty lentils, fresh herbs, vegetables, garlic, and warm Mediterranean seasonings. They are an easy and satisfying plant-based meal that can be prepared in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Cooked lentils provide protein, fibre, and a naturally earthy flavour, while breadcrumbs and egg help the patties hold together. Red onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika add freshness and savoury depth, and a little lemon juice brightens every bite. These versatile patties are perfect for lunch, dinner, meal preparation, lunchboxes, or quick vegetarian meals. Serve them in pita bread with salad and yoghurt sauce, place them over a grain bowl, add them to wraps, or enjoy them with roasted vegetables and hummus. They can be pan-fried for a crisp golden crust, baked for a lighter option, or cooked in an air fryer. The mixture can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated until you are ready to shape and cook the patties.

Ingredients For the Lentil Patties

  • 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils, thoroughly drained
  • ½ cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • ½ cup grated carrot
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander or dill, optional
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour or chickpea flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

For Cooking

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Optional Yoghurt Sauce

  • ¾ cup plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Optional Garnish and Serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Chopped parsley
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Pita bread
  • Hummus

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Drain the Lentils

Place the cooked lentils in a fine sieve and drain them thoroughly. If they appear wet, spread them over paper towels and pat them dry. Excess moisture can make the patties difficult to shape.

Step 2: Mash the Lentils

Transfer the lentils to a large mixing bowl. Mash approximately two-thirds of them with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole lentils for texture.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Herbs

Add the red onion, garlic, grated carrot, parsley, and optional coriander or dill. Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the Binding Ingredients

Add the breadcrumbs, egg, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until the ingredients begin to hold together.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Add the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Check the Consistency

Press a small amount of mixture between your fingers. It should hold its shape without feeling overly wet. Add one or two tablespoons of breadcrumbs if it is too soft, or a teaspoon of water if it seems too dry.

Step 7: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty approximately 1.5cm thick. Place them on a plate.

Step 8: Prepare the Sauce

Combine the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 9: Heat the Pan

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.

Step 10: Cook the First Side

Add the patties in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and crisp.

Step 11: Flip and Finish

Carefully turn the patties with a wide spatula. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and heated through. Add more oil between batches if needed.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack. Let them rest for 2 minutes, then serve with yoghurt sauce, lemon wedges, salad, hummus, or pita bread.

Tips

  • Drain the lentils extremely well to prevent soft patties.
  • Brown or green lentils work best because they hold their shape better than red lentils.
  • Mash only part of the lentils so the patties remain textured rather than pasty.
  • Chill the shaped patties for 10 minutes if the mixture feels delicate.
  • Use chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
  • Keep the patties fairly thin so the centres heat before the outside becomes too dark.
  • Avoid flipping them repeatedly; let the first side form a firm crust.
  • Add crumbled feta, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavour.

Notes

  • Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat them in a frying pan, oven, or air fryer to restore their crisp texture.
  • Freeze uncooked or cooked patties for up to 2 months.
  • Place baking paper between layers before freezing to prevent sticking.
  • Thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
  • For a vegan version, replace the egg with one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water.
  • Canned lentils are convenient, but rinse and drain them thoroughly before use.

Q&A

Can I Bake the Lentil Patties?

Yes. Arrange them on a lightly oiled baking tray and bake at 200°C for 20 to 24 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I Cook Them in an Air Fryer?

Yes. Lightly spray the patties with oil and air-fry at 190°C for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, turning once.

Why Are My Patties Falling Apart?

The mixture may be too wet, may need more breadcrumbs, or may not have been mashed enough. Add extra breadcrumbs and allow the mixture to rest before shaping.

Can I Use Red Lentils?

Red lentils are softer and may produce a mushier mixture. Brown or green lentils give the best texture.

Can I Make the Mixture Ahead of Time?

Yes. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours, then shape and cook the patties when needed.

What Can I Serve with Lentil Patties?

Serve them with Greek salad, couscous, roasted vegetables, pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, rice, or a fresh cucumber-and-tomato salad.

Servings

Makes: 8 Patties

Serves: 4

Nutrition

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 335
  • Protein: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Fibre: 13g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 590mg

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