Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
These Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) are a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Packed with flavor and nutrition, these patties are crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal, they offer a versatile option for various occasions. The addition of a refreshing lemon tahini dip elevates them, making them irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious lentil patties in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and tahini ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
- Healthy Snacking Option: These patties are gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for many dietary preferences.
- Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish with a salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, parties, or family dinners; everyone will love them!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Makes blending the lentil mixture quick and easy, achieving the perfect consistency.
- Frying pan: Essential for frying the patties to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Mixing bowl: Needed for combining all ingredients thoroughly before shaping into patties.
Ingredients
For the Lentil 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
Start by draining your soaked lentils. In a food processor, combine the drained lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, chickpea flour, coriander, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper. Blend until well mixed but still slightly chunky.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Using your hands, form small patties from the mixture. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place shaped patties on a plate or tray while you heat the oil.
Step 3: Fry the Patties
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the lentil patties in batches. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Tahini Dip
In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your crispy lentil patties warm with the lemon tahini dip on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Enjoy these Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) at your next gathering or as a delicious snack!
How to Serve Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
These delicious Easy Lentil Patties pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Serving options can enhance their flavors and make your meal even more delightful. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Fresh Salads
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: A refreshing mix of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs drizzled with olive oil.
- Greens Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light lemon vinaigrette for a crisp contrast.
As Part of a Mezze Platter
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip that complements the lentil patties beautifully.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: Adds a savory flavor that pairs well with the lemon tahini dip.
In a Pita or Wrap
- Pita Bread: Stuff the patties in warm pita along with fresh veggies for a flavorful sandwich.
- Wraps: Use whole grain wraps filled with lentil patties, lettuce, and tahini sauce for a quick meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Yogurt Sauce: A cool yogurt sauce enhances the taste of the patties.
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, serve with your favorite hot sauce.
How to Perfect Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
To ensure your Easy Lentil Patties turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Pre-soak Lentils: Soaking lentils overnight softens them and helps achieve the right consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add more spices or herbs to match your taste preferences; this enhances flavor depth.
- Test Fry One First: Before frying all patties, cook one to check seasoning and texture; adjust if necessary.
- Use High Heat for Frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding patties for a crispy exterior and tender inside.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the cooked patties rest for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
Pairing side dishes can amplify the enjoyment of Easy Lentil Patties. Here are some excellent choices to consider:
- Tabbouleh Salad: This herby bulgur salad adds freshness and vibrant flavors that complement the patties well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer sweetness and texture alongside the savory lentil patties.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly spiced quinoa provides an excellent base, enhancing the meal’s nutritional value.
- Grilled Eggplant: Smoky grilled eggplant slices add depth to your plate while balancing flavors.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with spices can serve as a hearty side that pairs well with lentils.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad made with chickpeas, herbs, and lemon dressing complements lentils perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip), it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the soaking step: Failing to soak lentils overnight can lead to dry patties. Always soak your lentils for better consistency.
- Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too much can make your patties dense. Gently combine until everything is just mixed for a lighter texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland patties. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance flavor.
- Using too much oil: Over-oiling while frying can make them greasy. Use just enough oil for frying, allowing the patties to stay crispy without being oily.
- Not testing the mixture: Skipping a cooking test patty means missing out on adjusting flavors. Cook a small patty first to check seasoning before frying the whole batch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Lentil Patties in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
- Place cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently so they don’t get soggy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for about 3-5 minutes per side for extra crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip):
Can I use different types of lentils?
You can use other lentils, but red lentils work best for a smooth texture. Other varieties may yield denser patties.
How do I customize the spices?
Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or paprika. Adjust them according to your taste preferences for unique flavors.
What can I serve with these patties?
These patties pair well with salads, roasted vegetables, or as a filling in wraps. The lemon tahini dip adds great flavor!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) are gluten-free when made with chickpea flour and served without gluten-containing sides.
Final Thoughts
Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip) are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various seasonings and serve them as appetizers or snacks. Try making these tasty patties today!
Easy Lentil Patties (with Lemon Tahini Dip)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 patties (serves about 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Easy Lentil Patties with Lemon Tahini Dip are a delicious and nutritious option for any meal or gathering. These savory patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect as appetizers, snacks, or light meals. Enhanced by a zesty lemon tahini dip, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes, these vegan and gluten-free lentil fritters are not only flavorful but also versatile enough to fit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry red lentils, soaked overnight
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ tablespoon chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain the soaked lentils and blend them in a food processor with onion, garlic, tomato paste, chickpea flour, spices, salt, and pepper until slightly chunky.
- Form small patties (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- For the lemon tahini dip, mix tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and water in a bowl until smooth.
- Serve warm with the lemon tahini dip on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
