Spicy Lentil Patties

Lentils are a new ingredient we have been experimenting with recently. These patties can be great for breakfast, lunch or dinner and are delicious with some eggs or a side salad. My daughter and I enjoyed them both hot and cold and always with a generous dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
So you might ask me why lentils? Nutritionally lentils are a good source of protein and fibre and low in fat. They are also a good source of other vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.

Lentils are inexpensive. The 1 cup used to make this receipt cost about $0.60 and since they are sold as a dry ingredient they can be kept for up to a year.

Lentils are quite versatile. I am learning there are different types and each type is best used for particular recipes.

Red lentils are softer so they take less time to cook and are a bit more mushier so they are great to mash or puree, to add thickness and creaminess to soups, stews or a dip.

Brown and green lentils are harder so they take a little longer to cook and hold their shape so are good to use for salads or soups.

You can enjoy lentils on the side or add them to your favourite soups, stews, casseroles and salads.

Spicy Lentil Patties

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 egg
• 4 tbsp. parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 peppers, diced (I used a red and yellow one)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsps. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. spicy paprika
• 1 tsp. minced garlic, about 2 cloves
• 1/2 tsp. chili flakes 
• salt and black pepper, to taste 
• plain Greek yogurt for dipping (optional but highly recommended) 

Instructions

• Rinse lentil, add them to a pot and cover with water. Look for a remove small rocks you see. 

• From the moment they start boiling, let them boil for about 15 minutes and then remove from heat. 
• Strain the lentils very well and put them in a large bowl. Mash with a fork or use an immersion blender to puree. I used an immersion blender. 
• Add the rest of the ingredients. 

• Mix the ingredients together. The mixture should be sticky and easy to shape. If its too wet to stick together add some more flour. 

• Use a 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop the dough and shape into a patty. 

• Heat a non-stick fry pan on medium heat. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown. 

• Makes about 9 patties. 

Enjoy!

Shannon RD

Registered Dietitian 

Original recipe is from here.