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Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 7, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Middle Eastern-Inspired 45 mins onepanskilleteasyhealthyvegetarianfamily-friendlybudget-friendlyquickhighproteinleftoversflavorful

A quick and easy Middle Eastern-inspired skillet recipe featuring protein-packed lentil and sweet potato patties seasoned with aromatic spices, served with a fresh cilantro yogurt sauce. This healthy, family-friendly meal is budget-friendly, perfect for weeknight dinners, and delicious as leftovers.

Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Total 45 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Middle Eastern-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineMiddle Eastern-Inspired
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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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties, roughly 3 inches in diameter.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Serve the warm lentil and sweet potato patties drizzled with or alongside the cilantro yogurt sauce. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

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.

Pan Or Pot Required

For the Skillet Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce, a large, sturdy nonstick skillet is essential. It enables perfectly sautéed onions and garlic, plus even pan-frying for golden-brown patties without sticking or breaking apart.

  • Sautéing Aromatics: The skillet gently browns onion and garlic, creating a fragrant flavor base.
  • Frying Patties: Its even heat and nonstick surface ensure crisp, flavorful patties with a caramelized crust.

Additionally, you’ll need a medium saucepan or pot to boil the lentils and steam or boil the sweet potatoes ahead of skillet cooking. These steps require cookware ideal for simmering and steaming.

  • Medium saucepan or pot: For boiling lentils and cooking sweet potatoes.
  • Large nonstick skillet: For sautéing and pan-frying patties to perfection.

This combination streamlines prep and cooking, aligning perfectly with the recipe’s one-pan, easy, healthy, and family-friendly style — a flavor-packed, budget-wise skillet meal ideal for busy weeknights.

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. This size allows for even cooking and the development of a beautiful golden crust without overcrowding, which can cause steaming rather than frying.

A skillet with at least 2 inches of depth helps contain oil splatter and makes flipping patties easier. If your skillet is smaller, cook the patties in batches to preserve spacing. Avoid pans that are too large or shallow, which may affect cooking times and texture.

Heavy-bottomed skillets retain consistent heat, promoting even browning and a delicious crust essential to skillet meals. For best results, use a quality nonstick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for easy cleanup and superior cooking.

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. However, if you don’t have a nonstick skillet, consider these alternatives aligned with the recipe’s style and cooking needs:

  • Cast Iron Skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet offers excellent heat retention and even cooking. Preheat it well and use sufficient olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Stainless Steel Skillet: Suitable but requires careful heat control and preheating with oil to avoid sticking. Monitor patties closely while cooking.
  • Nonstick Griddle or Electric Skillet: Ideal for cooking larger batches evenly and maintaining steady temperature, great for family meal prep.

Avoid pans with uneven heat distribution or very thin bottoms, as these can cause uneven cooking or sticking. Lentils and sweet potatoes are cooked separately in a saucepan or steamer basket, which can be swapped with any medium pot or steaming tool you have on hand.

Choosing the appropriate skillet and preheating properly preserves the recipe’s budget-friendly, quick, and flavor-packed qualities, helping you enjoy this satisfying skillet meal any day.

Leftovers Quality

These skillet spiced lentil and sweet potato patties store well as leftovers, making them perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners. For best flavor and texture, store patties and cilantro yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Patties keep their best quality for 3-4 days.

Cool patties completely before refrigeration to avoid sogginess. Reheat patties gently in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve texture. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Keep the cilantro yogurt sauce chilled and serve cold or at room temperature to maintain its fresh, tangy flavor.

You can freeze patties (without sauce) for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Do not freeze the yogurt sauce, as it may separate and lose texture.

Proper handling of leftovers lets you enjoy this healthy, budget-friendly, and flavorful skillet meal any time, fitting seamlessly into your meal planning.

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