What cookware works best?

Use a wide skillet and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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Skillet Meals

Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Name: Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed and drained; 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and diced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/3 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired); 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying; Cilantro Yogurt Sauce ---; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 7, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

Middle Eastern-Inspired 45 mins onepanskilleteasyhealthyvegetarianfamily-friendlybudget-friendlyquickhighproteinleftoversflavorful

Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce is a practical PanPotPlates recipe built for dependable weeknight cooking.

Prep 15 min

Cook 30 min

Total 45 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed and drained
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
1/3 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Cilantro Yogurt Sauce ---
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Instructions

Place lentils in a medium saucepan and cover with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
While lentils cook, place diced sweet potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water or boil in a pot until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and mash sweet potatoes, then set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add chopped parsley, cilantro, beaten egg, and bread crumbs to the lentil mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs as needed to help bind.
Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties, roughly 3 inches in diameter.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. Avoid moving them too early to ensure a crispy crust forms.
Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the warm lentil and sweet potato patties drizzled with or alongside the cilantro yogurt sauce. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

For the Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce , a large, sturdy nonstick skillet is essential.

Cookware Size Guidance

Using a 10 to 12-inch nonstick skillet is recommended for this recipe to accommodate all 8 patties comfortably in a single layer.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This recipe is designed for a nonstick skillet to achieve an optimal golden-brown crust and prevent sticking, supporting its easy, quick, healthy, and family-friendly skillet meal goals.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a wide skillet and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

This versatile Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties recipe can be adapted easily for dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Consider these ingredient substitutions to suit your needs while maintaining flavor and texture:

Lentils: Swap brown lentils for red lentils (softer texture) or canned lentils for quicker prep (adjust cooking).
Sweet Potatoes: Use butternut squash or pumpkin puree as a sweet, smooth alternative.
Bread crumbs: Replace with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for gluten-free versions.
Egg: For vegan options, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or chia egg as a binder.
Greek Yogurt (sauce): Substitute dairy-free yogurts like coconut or almond yogurt to keep the sauce vegan and dairy-free.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or any neutral oil suitable for frying.

These swaps keep the recipe easy, family-friendly, and budget-conscious while accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Cool Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions