Coral Lentil & Carrot Vegan Patties

Vibrant Coral Lentil Patties: A Hearty and Healthy Option

Looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s both plant-based and packed with flavour? These coral lentil patties are an absolute winner. Their striking orange hue, derived from the lentils and complemented by carrots, brings a burst of colour to any plate. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation.

This recipe is a fantastic way to boost your intake of both fibre and plant-based protein, all while catering to specific dietary needs. They are naturally gluten-free and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. For those hosting a party or wanting a lighter bite, you can easily adapt the recipe to create smaller, bite-sized versions for appetizers.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 medium onion
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 medium carrots (approximately 400g)
200g coral lentils
120g gluten-free oat flakes
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bunch fresh coriander
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Water, as needed

Essential Equipment:

1 blender
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Lentil Patties:

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your flavourful coral lentil patties.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base

Begin by chopping your onion into manageable pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Next, add your peeled and sliced carrots to the pan. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables, then bring to a simmer. Allow this mixture to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are wonderfully tender. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set the vegetable mixture aside.

Step 2: Cook the Lentils

While your vegetables are simmering, it’s time to cook the coral lentils. Place the 200g of coral lentils in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through. Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 3: Blend the Core Mixture

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. In your blender, combine the cooked carrots and onion mixture, the cooked coral lentils, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and half of the gluten-free oat flakes (that’s about 60g).

Step 4: Achieve the Perfect Consistency

Blend all the ingredients in the blender until a smooth or slightly textured paste forms, depending on your preference. Transfer this mixture to a bowl. Add the remaining oat flakes to the bowl and mix thoroughly. This will help bind the patties. Next, stir in the finely chopped fresh coriander. Mix again to ensure everything is evenly distributed. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky to handle, don’t hesitate to add a few more oat flakes until you reach a workable consistency.

Step 5: Shape Your Patties

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Now, you can shape your lentil mixture into patties. You can use a cookie cutter for perfectly round shapes, as shown in the image, or simply roll the mixture into balls and then flatten them once they are placed on the baking sheet. Aim for patties that are about 1-2cm thick.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the shaped patties onto the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your patties. You’re looking for them to be firm and lightly golden on the edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

And there you have it – your delicious, homemade coral lentil patties are ready to be devoured! These patties are wonderfully versatile. They can be served as a main course, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or your favourite roasted vegetables. For an added touch of flavour, consider making a complementary sauce. A simple yet effective sauce can be made by mixing plain yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.