Easy Homemade Lentil Balls

Featured in Veggie meals full of flavor.

A healthy and speedy dish pairing sweet potatoes and lentils, spiced just right and balanced with fresh herbs. Great for dinner in no time.
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:21:47 GMT
Golden lentil balls garnished with parsley, served in a bowl lined with white paper. Pin it
Golden lentil balls garnished with parsley, served in a bowl lined with white paper. | Tasteofsavor.com

These delightful lentil patties were inspired by experimenting with red lentils in the kitchen. The natural sweetness of sweet potato creates tender, flavorful bites that have become a family favorite. Their vibrant orange color brightens up any plate and delights guests before they even take their first bite.

Light and Flavorful Comfort Food

These versatile patties have become a reliable go-to for quick meals. The red lentils blend seamlessly with sweet potato while aromatic spices create layers of flavor. Even those skeptical of legumes ask for seconds, especially when served with a creamy yogurt sauce.

Essential Ingredients

  • Legumes & Vegetables: Split red lentils and fresh sweet potato
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic cloves and dried bay leaf
  • Spices: Freshly ground cumin and chili powder
  • Additional: All-purpose flour, fresh parsley, and extra virgin olive oil

Cooking Method

Initial Cooking
Simmer lentils and sweet potato in bay leaf-infused water until tender
Creating the Base
Mash ingredients together while incorporating aromatic spices
Shaping
Form mixture into uniform, golden patties
Final Baking
Bake until crispy and golden brown
Golden lentil patties garnished with parsley, arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
Golden lentil patties garnished with parsley, arranged on parchment paper. | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these patties warm with mint-infused yogurt sauce. For a complete meal, place them over herbed rice with seasonal roasted vegetables. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be frozen?
Yes, they freeze well either uncooked or after cooking. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
→ What goes well with these balls?
Serve them with a spicy tomato sauce or a creamy yogurt dressing. They pair nicely with grilled veggies or a side of rice.
→ What if my mix is too soft to form balls?
If the mixture is too sticky, just mix in some flour a little at a time until it's firm enough to shape.
→ Can I cook these in a skillet?
Absolutely! Pan-fry them in a bit of oil on medium heat, about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown.
→ How should I store leftover balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Use the oven to warm them back up for the best texture.

Lentil Sweet Potato Balls

Soft and flavorful lentil and sweet potato balls mixed with fresh herbs and spices. Quick and easy to prepare.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Yield: 3 Servings (15 bites)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 200 grams of red lentils.
02 200 grams of peeled sweet potato.
03 50 grams of flour.
04 1 garlic clove.
05 1 bay leaf.
06 1 teaspoon of cumin.
07 Spice it up with chili to your liking.
08 Fresh parsley.
09 Season with salt and pepper.
10 Olive oil for brushing.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel the sweet potato and chop it into small cubes. Add it to a pot with the lentils, garlic, and bay leaf, and cover them with water.

Step 02

Cook for about 12 minutes, then make sure to drain everything thoroughly.

Step 03

Mash up the cooked mix of lentils and sweet potato. Toss in the spices, chopped parsley, and flour, then combine everything really well.

Step 04

Roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls, line them up on a baking tray, and brush each with olive oil. Bake them for 20 minutes at 190°C.

Notes

  1. These plant-based bites are a protein powerhouse thanks to the lentils and make a delicious meat-free option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot.
  • Oven.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 12 g