Herbed Red Lentil and Quinoa Patties
Hearty, protein-packed patties with a blend of herbs and quinoa, perfect for meatless dinners with a crispy exterior. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs cooked red lentils, cooked quinoa, finely chopped bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 245 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, cooked red lentils
- 1/2 cup, cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked red lentils, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp ground cumin. Mix until well incorporated.
- Step 2: Add 1 large egg and 2 tbsp breadcrumbs. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed between fingers.
- Step 3: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into 3/4-inch-thick patties.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Step 5: Transfer patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbed Red Lentil and Quinoa Patties take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herbed Red Lentil and Quinoa Patties?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Red Lentil and Quinoa Patties?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herbed Red Lentil and Quinoa Patties for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herbed Red Lentil and Quinoa Patties vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
These patties are a game-changer for my meatless Mondays! My kids actually ask for seconds, and they hold together perfectly when pan-fried.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for meal prep—freezes well and tastes great reheated. My husband was surprised they weren't made with meat!
- ★★★★☆
Delicious base recipe, but I found them slightly bland without extra garlic. Next time I'll double the herbs and add a pinch of cumin.
