Lentil and Potato Patties

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Delicious lentil and potato patties served on a plate with fresh herbs.

Lentil and Potato Patties

Lentil and Potato Patties are a delightful and nutritious treat, perfect for a vegetarian meal or a snack. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, these patties are packed with protein and a medley of flavors. This article provides a comprehensive guide on preparing these delicious patties, along with cooking tips, nutritional information, and variations.

Ingredients

For US Measurements:

  • 100g dry green lentils
  • 300ml water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp Korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes
  • 20g fresh coriander (chopped)
  • 1kg large potatoes (peeled and grated)
  • 1 large onion (grated)
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

For European Metric Measurements:

  • 100g dry green lentils
  • 300ml water
  • 1.5g salt
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 0.5g Korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes
  • 20g fresh coriander (chopped)
  • 1kg large potatoes (peeled and grated)
  • 1 large onion (grated)
  • 15g flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 30-45ml vegetable oil

Directions

Prepare the Lentil Filling

  1. Place the dry green lentils in a pot with 300ml of water and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until tender.
  3. While the lentils cook, sauté the chopped onion in a pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute.
  5. Drain the cooked lentils and mash them slightly with a fork.
  6. Mix the mashed lentils with the sautéed onion and garlic.
  7. Add the Korean chili flakes and fresh coriander, mixing well before setting aside to cool.

Prepare the Potato Base

  1. Grate the peeled potatoes using a coarse grater.
  2. Place the grated potatoes in a mesh bag or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess liquid.
  3. Grate the large onion and add it to the drained potatoes.
  4. Add the flour, salt, and black pepper to the potato mixture.
  5. Mix everything together until well combined.

Form and Cook the Patties

  1. Take a handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball, then flatten it into a circle.
  2. Place 1-2 tbsp of the lentil filling in the center.
  3. Carefully wrap the potato mixture around the filling and seal the edges.
  4. Gently flatten each patty to about 1cm thick.
  5. Heat 2-3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
  6. Place the patties in the pan, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Flip the patties carefully, then add 4 tbsp of water to the pan.
  8. Cover again and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Serve

Serve the patties hot with dairy-free yogurt, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce. These lentil and potato patties are delicious both hot and cold, making them perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Serving Size: Varies depending on portion size

Nutritional Information (per patty, approx.):

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Squeeze the Water: Ensure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated potatoes to prevent the patties from becoming soggy during cooking.
  2. Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it easier to assemble the patties when you’re ready to cook.
  3. Cooking Batch: If cooking in batches, keep the finished patties warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 90°C) while you cook the rest to ensure they all are hot when served.

Possible Variations

  1. Spicy Variation: Add more Korean chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the lentil filling for an extra kick of heat.
  2. Herb Variation: Substitute fresh coriander with parsley, dill, or any herb of your choice to change the flavor profile of the patties.

Lentil and Potato Patties are a versatile dish that can be adapted and enjoyed in many ways. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty snack, these patties are sure to impress!