Experience the perfect blend of hearty lentils and sweet banana in these uniquely delicious patties. This innovative recipe transforms simple ingredients into a protein-rich dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
For 12 patties:
- 400g (2 cups) flat green or brown lentils
- 1 small ripe banana (about 100g/3.5 oz)
- 45g (3 tablespoons) bread flour
- 150g (1.5 cups) breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion (about 150g/5.3 oz), grated and liquid strained
- 2 cloves garlic (about 6g), minced
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Cumin to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Paprika to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Dried thyme to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Lentil Preparation (30 minutes)
- Sort through lentils, removing any debris
- Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water
- Place in a large pot with 6 cups of water
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy
- Drain well and let cool for 10 minutes
Mixture Assembly (15 minutes)
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the peeled banana until smooth
- Add cooled lentils and mash partially, leaving some texture
- Mix in bread flour and 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Add strained grated onion and minced garlic
- Season with black pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme, and salt
- Mix thoroughly until well combined
Patty Formation (15 minutes)
- Place remaining ½ cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish
- Scoop about ⅓ cup of mixture for each patty
- Form into rounds about 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick
- Coat each patty in remaining breadcrumbs
Cooking (20 minutes)
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Test oil temperature with a small piece of mixture (should sizzle gently)
- Cook patties in batches, 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Drain on paper towels
Nutritional Information (per patty)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Iron: 3mg
- Potassium: 290mg
Timing
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook lentils – they should be tender but hold their shape
- Squeeze grated onion thoroughly to remove excess moisture
- Let mixture rest for 10 minutes before forming patties
- Use a hot pan for crispy exterior
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
- Spice Variations:
- Indian-style with garam masala and turmeric
- Mediterranean with oregano and basil
- Mexican-inspired with chili powder and coriander
- Banana Alternatives: Mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
Common FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, brush with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Why banana in lentil patties?
A: Banana acts as a natural binder and adds subtle sweetness that complements the savory lentils.
Q: Can I freeze these patties?
A: Yes, freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Q: My mixture is too wet – what should I do?
A: Add breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture holds its shape when formed into patties.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
- Refrigerator: Cooked patties last 3-4 days
- Freezer: Uncooked patties last up to 3 months
- Room Temperature: Best served same day
Make-Ahead Options
- Cook lentils up to 2 days ahead
- Prepare mixture the night before
- Form patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- Freeze shaped, uncooked patties
Serving Suggestions
- As a burger patty with traditional toppings
- Over mixed greens with tahini dressing
- In a wrap with hummus and vegetables
- As an appetizer with yogurt-herb dip
- Alongside grain bowls or roasted vegetables
These unique lentil patties offer a delightful twist on traditional veggie burgers, combining the heartiness of lentils with the subtle sweetness of banana. Perfect for meal prep, they’re versatile enough to enjoy in multiple ways throughout the week.
