Carrot Lentil Patties Recipe

Red lentils: These are the base of the patties, providing a hearty and slightly sweet flavor.

Carrots: Grated carrots add natural sweetness and a bit of crunch to the patties.

Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a savory depth to the mixture.

Garlic: Minced garlic gives a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the patties.

Cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the patties.

Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown and crispy perfection.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold their shape during frying. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a small amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or chickpea flour to help bind the ingredients together. This will help achieve a crispier texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

• cooked and drained red lentils - Substitute with cooked and drained green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and protein content, making them a suitable alternative.

• grated carrots - Substitute with grated zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar moisture content and mild flavor, keeping the patties moist.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor profile and is easier to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro if you prefer a different herb.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that can provide a similar depth to the patties.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor along with the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.

• Allow the carrot lentil patties to cool completely before storing or freezing. This helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation from making them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled patties in an airtight container. Separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the patties, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the patties are firm.

• Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat refrigerated patties, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil for a few minutes on each side.

• For frozen patties, there's no need to thaw them before reheating. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the frozen patties for 20-25 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit more time to ensure they are heated through.

• Serve the reheated carrot lentil patties with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a quick and delicious meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrot lentil patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray the patties with olive oil to keep them moist. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have regained their crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method: Place the patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrot lentil patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• Steaming Method: For a softer texture, place the patties in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method will keep them moist but won't retain the crispiness.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Grater: Used to grate the carrots into fine shreds.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion and cilantro, and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cooked lentils, grated carrots, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin, salt, and black pepper.

• Frying pan: Used to fry the patties until they are golden brown and crispy.

• Spatula: Helps in flipping the patties while frying to ensure even cooking.

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked lentils properly before mixing them with other ingredients.

Pre-cook lentils: Cook and drain red lentils in advance. Store them in the fridge to save time when you’re ready to make the patties.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop onion, garlic, and cilantro using a food processor to save time on prep work.

Batch fry: Form all the patties before you start frying. This allows you to fry multiple patties at once, saving time.

Grate carrots in bulk: Grate extra carrots and store them in the fridge for future recipes, reducing prep time.