Name: Black Lentil Patties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 27, 2026

Made with wholesome ingredients like black lentils, carrots, and fresh herbs, these lentil patties are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Serve them as a main dish, in a veggie burger, or on top of a grain bowl-these lentil patties are a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. The best part? They're freezer-friendly, packed with protein, and loved by the whole family!

From the Cook

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Black Lentil Patties

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped onion and ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for 6-9 minutes until softened.

Stir in ½ cup chopped carrots, ½ cup chopped celery, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add 1 cup dried black lentils, 3 ½ cups water, 1 bay leaf, and 1 sprig of fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils are soft. Remove and discard bay leaf and thyme sprig.

Scoop 1 cup of cooked lentils into a food processor and purée until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of the remaining lentils, the lentil purée, 2 cups breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Mix well.

Portion the lentil mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop. Flatten each scoop to about ½ inch thick. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray patties with avocado oil spray. Cook in a single layer for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8 minutes until golden brown.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Lentil Moisture Magic 💧
After cooking lentils, drain thoroughly and let them cool completely to prevent soggy patties that won't hold their shape.
Binding Brilliance 🥚
If your patties are too crumbly, add a beaten egg or a flax egg as a natural binder to help them hold together perfectly during cooking.
Flavor Layering Technique 🌿
Toast your breadcrumbs with a pinch of paprika and fresh thyme before mixing to amplify the depth of flavor in your lentil patties.
Freezer Prep Pro 🧊
When meal prepping, form patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy portion control.
Texture Transformation 🥣
Pulse vegetables in a food processor to achieve a consistent, fine mince that helps create a smoother, more cohesive patty texture.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.