Indian Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Patties
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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 tbsp spices
- 50g flour
- 100ml yogurt
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.