Caramelised Onion Lentil Patties

Delight your taste buds with these hearty and flavorful Caramelised Onion Lentil Patties—a deliciously wholesome vegetarian option packed with protein and rich, savory depth. Made from tender mashed brown lentils blended with golden caramelised onions, minced garlic, and zesty ground cumin, these patties offer a perfect balance of smoky sweetness and earthy spices. A hint of fresh parsley adds brightness, while breadcrumbs and a touch of egg create the ideal texture for pan-seared perfection. Ready in under an hour, these lentil patties are incredibly versatile; serve them warm as a meat-free main dish, tuck them into wraps, or enjoy them atop a fresh salad. Easy to make and satisfying, this recipe is a go-to for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g Brown lentils (cooked and drained)
• 2 medium Onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 100 g Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour (optional, for dusting)
• 2 tbsp Water (if needed)

Directions

Step 1

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and caramelised, approximately 20-25 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of water as needed to prevent sticking during the caramelization process. Once caramelised, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but leaving a few chunks for texture.

Step 3

Add the caramelised onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the mashed lentils. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of additional breadcrumbs.

Step 4

Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1.5 cm thick.

Step 5

Optional: Lightly dust the patties with all-purpose flour to help with browning.

Step 6

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7

Serve the caramelised onion lentil patties warm as is, or use them as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(773.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1402.0

Total Fat 57.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 219.5mg	0%
Sodium 4101.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 179.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.2g	0%
Total Sugars 21.5g
Protein 53.6g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 232.5mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 1634.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.7%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 49.5%