Why are lentils crunchy?

Editor: First, I wonder how old your lentils are. If they're more than a year or two old, they will often stay crunchy in the middle no matter how long you cook them ! Another trick is to wait to add salt or acidic ingredients until near the end of cooking.

Are lentils better than meat?

Pound for pound, raw lentils have more protein than steak . While not as protein-dense once cooked, they pack even more iron than meat, in addition to other vitamins and minerals. Fast to cook, easy to store and exalted enough to be buried with the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, these seeds have sustained empires.

Can you eat lentils still crunchy?

Lentils should always be consumed well-cooked as when raw or undercooked they can cause serious health problems, food poisoning and, in very extreme cases, even death. It's all because they contain natural compounds called lectins which are toxic but fortunately, cooking destroys them!

What makes lentils taste better?

Instead it is a good idea to start with equal amount of water and then add the initial ingredients like cumin seeds, onions, tomatoes (avoid tomato paste and other canned ingredients as it may contain preservatives), garam masala, garlic cloves, bay leaf, and root vegetables . Finally, add lentils and cook as usual.

Are lentils good or bad for gut?

Lentils are especially rich in prebiotic fibre which promotes digestive function and 'fuels' the beneficial gut bacteria which are so important for our health.

What do lentils do to your body?

Lentils add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the diet . They also provide protein and are an excellent replacement for meat in meals. When a person replaces meat in the diet with a high fiber food, such as lentils, they decrease their risk of heart disease.

Are lentils healthier than potatoes?

A new study from the University of Guelph shows that replacing half of the available carbohydrates from potatoes or rice with cooked lentils can lower blood glucose levels by more than 20% in healthy adults . The study appears in the Journal of Nutrition.

Should lentils have a crunch?

The lentils should be tender and somewhat firm but not crunchy, gritty, or mealy . If the lentils are not yet to your desired level of doneness, allow them to cook a little longer and test again. Repeat this until the lentils have reached the required texture.

Why are my lentils always hard?

Keep them moist . If you don't want dry, hard lentils, make sure to keep a little liquid in the pot! You can always add a little more if the water is evaporating faster than they cook.

Do lentils ever get soft?

Red (or yellow) lentils cook much more quickly than any other variety. They become soft and tender after simmering for just 15 minutes ! As they cook, they melt and dissolve, creating a delicious creamy texture. Consequently, they're a great choice for adding to thick curries, stews, or an Indian dal.

Are lentils supposed to be al dente?

In general, lentils should be al dente soft, like pasta — whole and firm but tender when chewed . For firm, whole lentils, add a few drops of oil to the water to help keep the lentils separate. For softer lentils in dishes like Indian dahl, increase cooking time.

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe (2024)

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Lentils are one of the most versatile protein options you can add to your menu. This easy lentil patties recipe is going to transform your menu. Not only are they ready in just 30-minutes, but they also are flavorful, packed with protein, and versatile to serve alone or as a sandwich.

Jump to:

Lentil Patties Recipe
What is the Best Lentil For This Recipe?
Do I Need to Soak Lentils Before Cooking Them?
Can I Use Canned Lentils?
Can I Use Different Herbs?
How do You Serve Lentil Patties?
Are These Lentil Patties Vegan?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Homemade Lentil Patties
More Vegetarian Recipes
📖 Recipe

Lentil Patties Recipe

I have tried a number of different lentil burgers and patties, and these are some of the most flavorful. I like something mild so they can go with any toppings, but they shouldn't be bland.

If you like lentils and need more ideas of how to use them in your menu, make sure you check out this spicy red lentil curry recipe or this flavorful chicken Dhansak curry with lentils. Both are an excellent ways to use those extra dry lentils.

What is the Best Lentil For This Recipe?

I prefer using red lentils in recipes like this because they cook faster and soften easier. So, I can have them ready in no time rather than waiting hours for them to cook.

If you don't mind a longer cooking time, then green lentils are another popular option found in most markets. While black lentils are common in some areas, they are not easy to find in markets so not a great choice for this recipe.

Do I Need to Soak Lentils Before Cooking Them?

No. One of the benefits of using dry lentils is that they do not need to be soaked. They typically cook to a softened texture anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes. This depends upon your desired texture and the type of lentils.

For this recipe, red lentils are used which can take as little as 10 minutes up to 30-minutes to cook. They do not need to be mushy for this recipe, just cooked through and tender.

Can I Use Canned Lentils?

You can use canned lentils if you want for this recipe. They will be softer than cooking them on your own and thus may be a bit more moist and mushy in the patty.

If you use canned lentils, make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the rest of the recipe. If you fin the patties are too moist, you can add additional flour by the tablespoon until they are formable.

Can I Use Different Herbs?

Of course, you can mix up the flavor profile if you prefer. I like using Italian seasonings because they are delicious and readily available in my kitchen. That doesn't mean they are the only options to add to this recipe. Below are some other flavor profiles to try.

Taco, fajita, or burrito seasoning blends.
Greek seasoning blend.
Cajun seasoning blend.
Basic salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Curry powder, turmeric, and garam masala.

How do You Serve Lentil Patties?

While these are a bit more Italian in flavor, they aren't overbearing so they can go from your hamburger bun with mayonnaise to on top of pasta with my homemade pasta sauce. Below are some great ideas for how to use this recipe in unique ways.

Replace a meat burger and top with any traditional burger toppings including condiments, lettuce, tomato, avocado, or grilled onions and peppers.
Serve with Indian chutney's or sauces as an appetizer.
Top with jalapeno dip or blue cheese dip for a unique flavor and difference in textures.
Wrap in a pita with tzatziki, feta, lettuce, and tomato.
Use in any wrap in place of meats.

Are These Lentil Patties Vegan?

As listed below, these are naturally plant-based and 100% vegan. If you choose to add Parmesan cheese to the mixture or cook in butter, then they are no longer vegan friendly.

Ingredients

Vegetable oil
Lentils (red)
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Fresh thyme
All-purpose flour
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Breadcrumbs
Fresh parsley

How to Make Homemade Lentil Patties

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils with ½ teaspoon salt, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until lentils are softened.

Drain excess liquid from the lentils and set them aside.

In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just turning translucent.

Add the minced garlic and fresh time to the skillet and stir to combine then remove from heat.

Place ⅔ of the cooked lentils into a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until mostly smooth.

In a large bowl, add the whole and pureed lentils, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, fresh parsley, flour, and breadcrumbs together until combined completely.

Lightly oil the palms of your hands, then divide the mixture into the number of patties you want, and shape them.

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the patties into the oil in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the outside and heated through.

Remove and drain on paper towels, then repeat until all patties are cooked.

More Vegetarian Recipes

If you like having an arsenal of vegetarian recipes on hand to serve friends and family, look no further! We have some great options to add to your menu. Flavors from around the world create tasty meals that nobody will realize are meat-free. Bookmark, pin, or print the recipes below for your menu!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6

Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe

A fried lentil patties recipe is the perfect protein-packed and delicious dish that is ideal for meat-eaters and the vegetarians at your dinner table!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups dry red lentils
1 teaspoon salt, divided
6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon paprika
¾ cup breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils with ½ teaspoon salt, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until lentils are softened.
Drain excess liquid from the lentils and set them aside.
In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just turning translucent.
Add the minced garlic and fresh time to the skillet and stir to combine then remove from heat.
Place ⅔ of the cooked lentils into a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until mostly smooth.
In a large bowl, add the whole and pureed lentils, Italian seasoning, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, fresh parsley, flour, and breadcrumbs together until combined completely.
Lightly oil the palms of your hands, then divide the mixture into the number of patties you want, and shape them.
In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the patties into the oil in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the outside and heated through.
Remove and drain on paper towels, then repeat until all patties are cooked.