These lentil patties are better than meat! Protein rich, easy patties recipe! [Vegan]

These lentil patties are better than meat! Protein rich, easy patties recipe! [Vegan] is a easy Vegan recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by We Cook Vegan on YouTube.

Prep: 39 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min

Cost: $21.54 total, $5.39 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Red Split Lentils (Rinsed and soaked)
  • 500 ml Water (For soaking and cooking lentils)
  • 150 g Broccoli Florets (Cut into small bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 1 Garlic Clove (Finely minced)
  • 1 Carrot (Peeled and grated)
  • 50 g Spinach (Finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru)
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • to taste Salt
  • 5 tbsp Millet Flour (Acts as a binder)
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Can use chickpea crumbs for gluten‑free)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For pan‑frying)
  • to serve Tahini Sauce (Optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Soak Lentils

    Place the red split lentils in a colander, rinse under cold running water, then transfer to a bowl and cover with 500 ml (2 cups) water. Let soak for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  2. Cook Lentils

    Drain the soaked lentils, return them to the saucepan, add fresh 500 ml water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the water is fully absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Prepare Vegetables

    While the lentils cook, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, peel and grate the carrot, and cut the broccoli into small florets. Roughly chop the spinach.

    Time: PT7M

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and grated carrot, cooking an additional 5 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Combine All Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion‑garlic‑carrot mixture, raw broccoli florets, chopped spinach, Korean chili flakes, ground coriander, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, millet flour, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive, slightly sticky mass forms.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Chill the Mixture

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This helps the patties hold together during cooking.

    Time: PT15M

  7. Form Patties

    Remove the mixture from the fridge. With damp hands, shape into 8 equal patties about ½ inch thick.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Pan‑Fry Patties

    Wipe the skillet clean, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium‑high heat. Add the patties in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 5‑7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  9. Serve

    Transfer the patties to a serving plate. Drizzle with tahini sauce or your favorite vegan dip and enjoy warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free, High‑Protein

Allergens: Gluten (if using regular breadcrumbs), Sesame (tahini sauce)

Last updated: March 18, 2026

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These lentil patties are better than meat! Protein rich, easy patties recipe! [Vegan]

Recipe by We Cook Vegan

A protein‑packed, vegan-friendly patty made from red split lentils, broccoli, carrot, spinach and aromatic spices. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect served with a drizzle of tahini sauce for lunch or dinner.

EasyVeganServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
59m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 23m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.54
Total cost
$5.39
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking and cooking the lentils until water is fully absorbed
  • Sautéing the aromatics without burning the garlic
  • Chilling the mixture for at least 15 minutes
  • Pan‑frying until the patties are golden brown on both sides

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care; avoid splattering.
  • Use oven mitts when moving the hot skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of red lentil and veggie patties in vegan cuisine?

A

Red lentil patties have become a staple in modern vegan cooking, offering a plant‑based alternative to meat burgers. They draw on traditional legume‑based dishes from South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, where lentils are prized for their protein and earthy flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lentil patties in vegan or plant‑based cuisine?

A

In Indian cuisine, lentil patties (often called "dal vada") are spiced with mustard seeds and curry leaves and deep‑fried. In the Mediterranean, chickpea‑based patties are flavored with herbs and served with tahini. This recipe blends those influences with Korean chili flakes for a subtle heat.

cultural
Q

How is red lentil and veggie patty traditionally served in vegan meals?

A

Traditionally, the patties are served warm with a drizzle of tahini or yogurt‑based sauce, accompanied by fresh salads, pickles, or flatbread. They can also be placed in a vegan burger bun with lettuce and tomato for a hearty sandwich.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature lentil patties in vegan cuisine?

A

Lentil patties are popular at casual gatherings, pot‑lucks, and brunches because they can be made ahead and served hot or at room temperature. They are also a favorite for vegan holiday meals where a protein‑rich main dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes red lentil and veggie patties special in vegan cooking?

A

The combination of red lentils, millet flour, and a mix of vegetables provides a balanced texture—crisp on the outside, tender inside—while delivering a complete protein source without any animal products.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making red lentil and veggie patties?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the lentils so they become mushy, not chilling the mixture long enough, and using too little binder, which causes the patties to fall apart during frying.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use millet flour instead of all‑purpose flour as a binder?

A

Millet flour is gluten‑free, adds a light nutty flavor, and helps keep the patties tender while still providing enough structure. All‑purpose flour would work but changes the texture and adds gluten.

technical
Q

Can I make these red lentil and veggie patties ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Prepare the mixture, chill for 15 minutes, shape the patties, and store them uncovered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them raw for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the patties are done cooking?

A

The patties should be golden‑brown and crisp on the outside, with a firm yet tender interior. They should hold their shape when lifted with a spatula and not crumble.

technical
Q

How do I know when the red lentil and veggie patties are fully cooked?

A

After the recommended 5‑7 minutes per side, the exterior will be crisp and the interior will be hot throughout. A quick cut through the center should show a moist but set interior without raw lentils.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel We Cook Vegan specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel We Cook Vegan focuses on simple, wholesome, plant‑based recipes that are accessible to home cooks of all skill levels, emphasizing whole foods, seasonal produce, and minimal processed ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel We Cook Vegan's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

We Cook Vegan emphasizes quick, everyday meals using pantry staples and fresh vegetables, often incorporating global flavor twists like Korean chili flakes, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate gourmet or raw‑food techniques.

channel

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