100g lentils and 4 potatoes! I make it almost every week! Simple and delicious lentil recipe
100g lentils and 4 potatoes! I make it almost every week! Simple and delicious lentil recipe! is a easy South African recipe that serves 4. 289 calories per serving. Recipe by We Cook Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 54 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 39 min
Cost: $2.18 total, $0.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 100 g Green Lentils (dry, rinsed)
- 300 ml Water (for cooking lentils)
- 0.25 tsp Salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 small Onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 kg Potatoes (about 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated)
- 1 tbsp Brown Rice Flour (acts as a binder; any flour may be used)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 tsp Korean Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru) (optional, adds mild heat)
- 20 g Coriander (Cilantro) (fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for lightly oiling the pan)
- 4 tbsp Water (added during final cooking to steam patties)
Instructions
Soak the Lentils
Place the dry green lentils in a bowl, cover with the 300 ml of water and let sit for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Cook the Lentils
After soaking, bring the lentils and water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain any excess water.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium
Grate and Dry the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and grate them using the box grater. Transfer the grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Time: PT10M
Sauté the Onion
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in the frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and a pinch of salt if desired) and sauté for about 3 minutes, until translucent.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine the grated potatoes, cooked lentils, sautéed onion‑garlic mixture, brown rice flour, black pepper, Korean red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped coriander. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Time: PT5M
Form the Patties
With damp hands, shape the mixture into 8 equal balls, then flatten each into a disc about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
Time: PT5M
Cook First Side
Add a thin layer of oil to the pan, heat over medium, place the patties in a single layer, cover with a lid and cook for 5‑7 minutes until the bottom is golden.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Flip and Steam
Flip the patties, drizzle the 4 tbsp of water around the pan, re‑cover and cook another 5‑7 minutes until the second side is golden and the patties are cooked through.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Serve
Transfer the patties to a serving plate. Serve warm with dairy‑free yogurt or salsa, or enjoy cold as a snack.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 289
- Protein
- 13 g
- Carbohydrates
- 50 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (when using brown rice flour), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Lentils: Red lentils, Brown lentils
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes (will change flavor)
- Instead of Brown Rice Flour: All‑purpose flour, Chickpea flour
- Instead of Korean Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru): Crushed red pepper, Paprika
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan
- Box Grater
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soak the lentils for at least 30 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes.
- Ensure the mixture binds; adjust with flour or water as needed.
- Cook patties covered to steam the interior and achieve a golden crust.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture.
- Use a non‑stick pan for easier flipping.
- Serve with a dollop of avocado mash for a richer bite.
Troubleshooting
Patties fall apart while cooking.
Add an extra teaspoon of flour or press the mixture more firmly before shaping. Make sure the potatoes are well‑drained.
Patties are too dry and crumbly.
Mix in a tablespoon of water or a little extra cooked lentils to increase moisture.
The exterior is not golden but soggy.
Increase the heat slightly and ensure the pan is lightly oiled. Keep the lid on only for the steaming portion.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; reheat directly from frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the lentils a day ahead and store them in the fridge; they keep well.
- Form the patties and refrigerate them uncovered on a tray; they firm up and are ready to fry.
- Reheat leftovers in a hot pan with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lentil and Potato Patties in South African cuisine?
In South Africa, lentils and potatoes are staple, affordable ingredients. Combining them into patties reflects a tradition of creating hearty, plant‑based meals that can feed a family on a modest budget, especially among vegan and vegetarian communities.
What are the traditional regional variations of lentil‑potato patties in South African cooking?
Some regions add spices like curry powder or turmeric, while others incorporate cornmeal instead of flour. Coastal versions may include chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
How is Lentil and Potato Patties traditionally served in South African households?
They are often served warm with a side of tomato salsa, chutney, or dairy‑free yogurt, accompanied by a simple salad or steamed greens. They can also be eaten cold as a snack or packed for lunch.
What occasions or celebrations feature Lentil and Potato Patties in South African culture?
These patties are popular at family picnics, pot‑luck gatherings, and as a convenient dish for weekend brunches. Their portability makes them a favorite for outdoor braais (barbecues) where they are grilled instead of pan‑fried.
What makes Lentil and Potato Patties special or unique in South African vegan cuisine?
The combination of protein‑rich lentils with starchy potatoes creates a satisfying texture that mimics meat‑based patties, while the use of gochugaru adds a subtle Korean heat, showcasing the fusion nature of modern South African vegan cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lentil and Potato Patties at home?
Common errors include not squeezing enough water from the grated potatoes, which leads to soggy patties, and over‑mixing the batter, which can make the patties dense. Also, cooking over too low heat prevents a golden crust.
Why does this recipe use brown rice flour instead of wheat flour?
Brown rice flour is gluten‑free, keeping the dish suitable for gluten‑intolerant eaters, and it provides a light binding ability without adding a strong wheat flavor. Any flour can be substituted if gluten is not a concern.
Can I make Lentil and Potato Patties ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Cook the lentils and form the patties up to a day in advance. Store the uncooked patties on a tray in the refrigerator, covered loosely with parchment. When ready, fry them directly from the fridge; they may need an extra minute per side.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Lentil and Potato Patties are done?
The patties should be golden‑brown on the outside, firm to the touch, and hold together when lifted. Inside they should be moist, with a soft crumbly‑yet‑cohesive interior from the lentils and potatoes.
What does the YouTube channel We Cook Vegan specialize in?
The YouTube channel We Cook Vegan focuses on simple, plant‑based recipes that are accessible to home cooks, emphasizing whole‑food ingredients, minimal equipment, and clear step‑by‑step instructions.
How does the YouTube channel We Cook Vegan's approach to South African cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
We Cook Vegan highlights traditional South African flavors and staple ingredients like lentils, potatoes, and local spices, while many other vegan channels often center on Asian or Mediterranean cuisines. The channel also stresses budget‑friendly meals for everyday home cooking.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
