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 (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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
