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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 Editorial TeamPublished May 7, 2026 | Updated May 11, 2026

Middle Eastern-Inspired 45 mins onepanskilleteasybudget-friendlyquickleftoversflavorful

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.