Lentil Cakes with Herbed Yogurt
In short: Pan-fried patties of mashed lentils, grated carrot, cumin and parsley served with a cool lemon and dill yogurt sauce. Cheap, crisp and easy to prepare. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 305 kcal
These small lentil patties are crisp on the outside and soft inside, with cumin, coriander and plenty of parsley. An egg and a handful of breadcrumbs hold them together, and the herb yogurt on the side cools everything down. They are good as a main with a salad, tucked into a flatbread or served as a snack for a crowd. The mixture can be made a day ahead, which makes cooking quick.
Instructions
- Mash about half of the lentils with a fork in a large bowl, leaving the rest whole for texture.
- Squeeze the grated onion and carrot in a clean towel to remove excess water, then add them to the bowl with the egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, parsley and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Chill the mixture for 20 minutes so the crumbs swell and it firms up. Meanwhile, stir the yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic and salt together.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into 12 patties about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick.
- Heat half of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry six cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and heated through. Drain on paper towels.
- Cook the second batch with the remaining oil. Serve hot with the herbed yogurt.
Tips
- If the mixture is too sticky, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs at a time. If too dry and crumbly, mix in a splash of olive oil or an extra spoonful of yogurt.
- Bake the cakes at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, turning halfway, for a lighter version that uses less oil.
Questions and answers
Can I make lentil cakes without egg?
Yes. Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. The cakes will be a little more delicate, so chill them well and handle gently.
Can I freeze the cakes?
Yes. Freeze cooked, cooled cakes with parchment between them for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 15 minutes.
What can I serve with lentil cakes?
A tomato and cucumber salad, rice, flatbread or roasted vegetables go well, along with the yogurt sauce. They are also good in a burger bun.
How long does it take to make Lentil Cakes with Herbed Yogurt?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Lentil Cakes with Herbed Yogurt?
About 305 kcal per serving, with 15 g of protein, 37 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 305 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 11 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
