Sweet Potato Patties with Red Lentils & Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce 🥑🥑🍅 – Healthy, Flavorful & Totally Addictive
If you’re looking for a satisfying, plant-powered dish that brings together sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy in one bite, these Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Patties are your new favorite!
These golden, pan-fried patties combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the protein-rich heartiness of red lentils , seasoned with warm spices and bound by a light egg or flax mixture. They’re then served with a dreamy avocado cilantro sauce and a zesty pico de gallo for a burst of freshness and crunch.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish is vegan-friendly (with a simple swap), gluten-free adaptable, and bursting with global flavors.
Let’s get cooking!
🧄 Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Patties
- Healthy & hearty : Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
- Flavor-packed combo : Earthy lentils, sweet potato, and bright toppings = magic.
- No deep frying required : Lightly pan-fried to crispy perfection.
- Totally customizable : Make them vegan, gluten-free, or add your own twist.
- Meal-prep friendly : Great cold, warm, or reheated.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12–14 Patties)
For the Sweet Potato Patties:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes , peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cooked red lentils (about ½ cup dry, cooked according to package instructions)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for color and anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp flour (all-purpose or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 large egg (or 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water for vegan option)
- Olive oil or avocado oil , for cooking
For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 Tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
For the Fresh Pico de Gallo:
- 2 medium tomatoes , diced
- ¼ red onion , finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro , chopped
- 1 jalapeño , seeded and minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
- Fork or potato masher
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Measuring tools
- Blender or food processor (for sauce)
- Knife and cutting board
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 10–12 minutes , or until tender.
- Drain and mash with a fork or potato masher. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Lentils
- Rinse red lentils and cook in 3 parts water to 1 part lentils.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes (no need to overcook — they should hold shape slightly).
- Drain any excess water and let cool.
Pro Tip: You can also use canned red lentils — just drain and rinse well.
Step 3: Mix the Patty Mixture
In a large bowl:
- Combine mashed sweet potatoes , cooked red lentils , chopped onion , and minced garlic .
- Stir in cumin , smoked paprika , turmeric , salt , and pepper .
- Add flour and egg (or flax egg) to help bind everything together.
Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until the mixture holds its shape when pressed.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Using about ¼ cup of mixture per patty , form into round, flat cakes — about ½-inch thick.
Place on a tray and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm up before cooking.
Step 5: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook each patty for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Optional: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 6: Make the Avocado Cilantro Sauce
In a blender or food processor:
- Add avocado , cilantro , lime juice , garlic , and Greek yogurt .
- Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and set aside.
Step 7: Prepare the Pico de Gallo
In a small bowl:
- Combine diced tomatoes , red onion , jalapeño , and cilantro .
- Squeeze in lime juice , season with salt , and stir well.
- Chill while preparing the rest of the dish.
Step 8: Assemble & Serve
Serve the patties warm with a generous dollop of avocado cilantro sauce on top and a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo alongside or on top.
Enjoy as a main dish, appetizer, or even as a handheld wrap with whole wheat tortillas!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- On top of a bed of quinoa or greens for a full meal.
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- With a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese (if non-vegan).
- Drizzle with sriracha or hot honey for extra kick.
- Stack two patties with avocado spread in between for a veggie burger!
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then store in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months . Fry or bake directly from frozen.
- Avocado sauce: Best made fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1 day (add a squeeze of lime to prevent browning).
- Pico de Gallo: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for prepping ahead.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t skip chilling the patties — it helps them hold their shape.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more flour or breadcrumbs.
- Use firm avocado for the sauce — overly soft ones can make the sauce runny.
- Swap red lentils with black beans or chickpeas for a different texture.
- Want it spicier? Add extra jalapeño or serrano chili to the patties.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
This dish is packed with wholesome goodness:
- Sweet potatoes offer beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber.
- Red lentils deliver plant-based protein and iron.
- Avocado gives healthy fats and creaminess without dairy.
- Pico de Gallo adds antioxidants, vitamin C, and digestive enzymes.
It’s a nutrient-dense, balanced plate that keeps you full and energized.
📝 Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Patties with Red Lentils & Avocado Cilantro Sauce prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With their crispy edges, soft center, and bold toppings, they bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen — minus the guilt.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just trying something new, this dish will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a plate that looks as good as it tastes!
