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SWEET POTATO PATTIES WITH RED LENTILS & TANGY TAHINI DRESSING


  • Author: Caroline Jones
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Patties:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled and diced

  • 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour or oat flour)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Tangy Tahini Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup tahini

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated

  • 2–4 tablespoons water (to thin)

  • Pinch of salt and cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced green onions

  • Chopped fresh herbs

  • Extra drizzle of tahini

  • Lemon wedges for serving


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Lentils

Place diced sweet potatoes in a medium pot and cover with water. Add the rinsed red lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until both are tender, about 15–18 minutes. Drain well and let cool for 5–10 minutes. (Tip: Remove as much water as possible for a firmer patty.)

Step 2: Mash the Base

Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes and lentils to a large mixing bowl. Mash together using a fork or potato masher until relatively smooth but with some texture remaining.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Mix in chopped onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 4: Add Flour for Binding

Add chickpea flour to help hold everything together. Mix thoroughly. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 5: Shape the Patties

With clean hands, shape the mixture into patties about 2.5 inches wide and ½ inch thick. You should get 8–10 patties. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Make the Tahini Dressing

While the patties chill, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and cayenne (if using). Slowly add water until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency—creamy but not too thick.

Step 7: Sear to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the warm patties with tahini dressing and top with green onions or herbs. Serve immediately.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 9g