Ingredients
For Boiling
- 2 cups dry green or brown lentils
- 1 large potato, peeled
- 1 onion, peeled
- 2 whole carrots, peeled
- Water to cover
- Salt to taste
For the Mixture
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (add more if needed)
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1-2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, to taste
For Frying
- Oil for shallow frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
For Serving
- Turkish-style bread rolls or pita
- Yogurt-based sauce like Tzatziki
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices mixed with parsley and sumac
- Grilled long green peppers (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Lentils and Vegetables: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a large pot, combine the lentils, peeled potato, peeled onion, peeled carrots, and enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until all ingredients are soft and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: Once the boiled ingredients are cool enough to handle, mash them together in a large bowl until well combined but still a bit chunky. Add the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, paprika, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix everything thoroughly. The mixture should hold together; add more breadcrumbs if too wet.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into small to medium-sized patties, about 3 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick, ensuring they are compact and won’t fall apart during cooking.
- Shallow Fry the Patties: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties in batches without overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the Turkish bread rolls or pita. Spread a layer of yogurt-based sauce such as tzatziki on the bread. Place one or two patties on the bread, then add tomato slices, the onion and parsley sumac mix, grilled long green peppers if using, and pickles if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute red lentils but they tend to be softer and may require less cooking time and more breadcrumbs to hold shape.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with ground oats.
- The yogurt-based sauce adds moisture and tang, but you can also use hummus or a tahini sauce as alternatives.
- Adjust chili flakes and spices according to your heat preference.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
