Baked Sweet Potato and Lentil Patties

Name: Baked Sweet Potato and Lentil Patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 patties
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding); Olive oil spray for baking

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely love how these Baked Sweet Potato and Lentil Patties come together effortlessly. The combination of sweet potatoes and lentils not only offers nutritional benefits, but it also creates a savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Cooking them in the oven allows for a satisfying crisp without the greasiness of frying, making them a healthier choice. I often enjoy these patties in wraps, on salads, or simply as a snack with my favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight or a delightful weekend treat!

Created by

Primrose Cavendish

Last updated on 2026-01-15T20:21:35.240Z

When I first tried making Baked Sweet Potato and Lentil Patties, I was amazed at how simple the process was. The combination of cooked sweet potatoes and lentils gives these patties a perfect texture and flavor. I also learned that letting the mixture rest before baking helps the patties hold their shape better.

Over the years, I experimented with various spices to enhance the flavor, and I was struck by how a hint of cumin or smoked paprika can elevate this dish. Pairing them with a yogurt dip or a spicy sauce creates a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

        Why You'll Love These Patties
        Nutritious and filling thanks to the sweet potatoes and lentils
Versatile for various diets and occasions
Deliciously spiced for a flavor explosion
Easy to prepare and bake, making them a perfect weeknight meal

      

Preparing the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect texture is key when making Baked Sweet Potato and Lentil Patties. When boiling the sweet potatoes, ensure they are cooked just until tender—about 15 minutes should suffice. Overcooking can lead to a watery mixture that won't hold together during baking. The ideal mash should be creamy but not too wet, giving your patties a nice structure when shaped. This consistency also helps in binding with the lentils, while still providing a slight sweetness and earthiness.

Don't skip the step of mashing the ingredients together thoroughly. A well-mashed mixture allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures that every bite is balanced. This is particularly important with spices like cumin and smoked paprika, which need to be evenly distributed to create that flavor explosion you’ll love. If you find the mixture too dry, a splash of vegetable broth can help create the right consistency without adding eggs or extra binding agents.

Baking Tips for Optimal Crispiness

For perfectly crispy patties, use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking. Lightly spraying the patties with olive oil not only enhances crispness but also promotes even browning. During baking, flip the patties halfway through to ensure both sides get that golden-brown finish—look for a rich color and slightly crisp edges as indicators they’re ready. If your oven has a convection setting, using it can boost airflow and lead to an even crisper outcome.

Pay attention to the bake time; while 25-30 minutes is typical, watching for color is crucial. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can lower your oven temperature slightly to avoid burning while allowing the insides to fully warm through. This technique can also be helpful if you choose to make larger patties, as they may need a couple of extra minutes to bake thoroughly without becoming too dry.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

These Baked Sweet Potato and Lentil Patties are incredibly versatile in serving options. You can enjoy them hot as is, provide a variety of condiments like tahini or yogurt for dipping, or layer them in wraps with fresh greens and your favorite sauces for a nutritious lunch. A simple side salad pairs beautifully due to the earthiness of the lentils and sweetness of the potatoes. You can also consider slicing them into strips for a unique appetizer that's perfect for sharing.

If you're looking to make a batch in advance, these patties store well in the fridge for up to three days. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked. Place the shaped patties on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, but expect to add a few more minutes to the baking time. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious patties:

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding)
Olive oil spray for baking

Mix these ingredients in a bowl to form the patties.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your patties:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture until well combined, adding breadcrumbs if needed for binding.

Shape the Patties

Form the mixture into patties, about 2 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Patties

Lightly spray the patties with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both sides.

Once baked, allow the patties to cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture. You can also customize the spices based on your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with ground oats or almond flour. This will help bind your patties while still keeping them fluffy and flavorful. Additionally, consider swapping out spices based on your preferences; for instance, adding cayenne for a kick or using fresh herbs like cilantro instead of dried spices can create a different flavor profile altogether.

For those who may not have sweet potatoes on hand, you can use mashed pumpkin or butternut squash in similar quantities. These alternatives can provide a slightly different taste, resulting in a unique twist on the recipe while keeping the nutritional benefits intact. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as necessary to enhance the flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your patties are falling apart when shaping, it often means your mixture is too dry or lacks binding. Consider adding a little more cooked lentils or including mashed sweet potato until a cohesive texture develops. If they seem too wet, a touch more breadcrumbs can help without altering the flavor significantly. Ensuring the sweet potatoes are not overcooked is also crucial—under-cooked ones can lead to a crumbly texture.

When it comes to baking, if you find that some patties are browning and others are not, this may be due to the arrangement on the baking sheet. Keep them spaced a few inches apart for optimal airflow and heat distribution, and rotate the sheet halfway through the baking time. This should evenly crisp all patties, preventing any from undercooking or remaining soggy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these patties?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

→ How do I serve these patties?

They are great on their own, but you can also serve them in a wrap with fresh veggies or on a bed of greens with a dressing.

→ Can I use other beans instead of lentils?

Absolutely! You can substitute the lentils with black beans or chickpeas, just ensure they are well-mashed.

→ How do I know when they are done baking?

The patties should be golden brown and firm to the touch when they are done baking.