Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Patties

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy lentil and vegetable patties spiced with cumin and turmeric, served with raita. This indian-inspired vegan (gluten-free, dairy-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs lentils, carrots, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, add lentils and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. Tip: Cooking lentils until fully softened ensures they blend smoothly into the mixture.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 carrot into 1/2-inch cubes and finely chop 1 onion. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the carrot and onion, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Tip: Sautéing the vegetables adds depth of flavor and helps them blend better with the lentils.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed carrot and onion, 1 tbsp spices, 50g flour, and 100ml yogurt. Use a fork or immersion blender to mix until a cohesive, slightly sticky texture forms. Tip: If the mixture is too wet, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until it holds together without being crumbly.
  4. Step 4: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Press firmly to compact the mixture, ensuring no gaps or cracks. Tip: Wetting your hands slightly prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the patties. Tip: Cook in batches if needed to maintain even heat and prevent steaming instead of frying.
  6. Step 6: Serve the patties warm with a side of raita. For raita, mix 100ml yogurt with grated cucumber, 1 tsp chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Chill for 15 minutes before serving. Tip: Raita’s cool, tangy contrast balances the spiced patties and adds refreshing texture.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Patties take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed 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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed 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 Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Patties for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Patties gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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