Description
Crispy, protein-packed fritters made with red lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. A satisfying vegetarian meal that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2½ cups water
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Combine red lentils and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until very soft and thick. Let cool slightly.
- 2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook 4-5 minutes until tender.
- 3. Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- 4. Add vegetable mixture to cooled lentils. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, and flour. Mix well until evenly combined.
- 5. Let mixture rest 10-15 minutes to thicken. Form into 8-10 patties, about 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick.
- 6. Heat ¼ inch vegetable oil in large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 7. Fry fritters in batches 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- 8. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Season with salt and serve immediately.
Notes
Store cooked fritters in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Mixture can be made 2 days ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 16g