Lentil Croquettes
Crispy, golden, and loaded with plant-based goodness, these Lentil Croquettes are a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Made with nutrient-packed red lentils, aromatic garlic and onion, and a medley of warming spices like cumin and paprika, these bite-sized treats deliver irresistible texture and satisfying flavor in every bite. Perfectly seasoned and coated with breadcrumbs for a delicate crunch, they’re pan-fried to perfection and served warm with your favorite dipping sauces, from tangy tzatziki to smoky spicy mayo. Ready in under an hour and ideal for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal, these vegetarian croquettes are easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with protein—making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Whether you're serving them at a dinner party or prepping a wholesome meatless meal, these lentil croquettes are sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried red lentils
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.75 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and transfer them to a pot. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the lentils for 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and most of the water has been absorbed. Drain any excess water and allow the lentils to cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, yellow onion (roughly chopped), garlic cloves, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is smooth but still slightly textured.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs and flour. Crack the egg into the mixture and mix until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add an additional tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small oval or round croquettes, approximately 2 inches long or 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed croquettes on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes (this helps them hold their shape during frying).
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Carefully place 4-5 croquettes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the croquettes from the pan using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining croquettes until all are cooked.
Serve the lentil croquettes warm with your choice of dips, such as tzatziki, spicy mayo, or a simple yogurt sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 252.4 g | 324% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.4 g | 187% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 220 mg | 73% | |
| Sodium | 3796 mg | 165% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 231.6 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.6 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.7 g | ||
| Protein | 77.2 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 389 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 25.3 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 2872 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
