Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Cakes with Lemon-Herb Yogurt
Hearty, pan-fried cakes made from nutritious red lentils and sweet potato, seasoned with warm spices. Served with a refreshing lemon and herb yogurt dip, this dish is a perfect budget-friendly and satisfying meal.

*Image is for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual recipe (AI generated).
420 calories
$3 per serving
$40 min
4 servings
budget-friendly, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 200g red lentils, rinsed
- 1 large sweet potato (approx. 400g), peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 50g whole wheat flour
- 30g fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 200g plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon, for juice and zest
- 15g fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- 1.Place the rinsed lentils and cubed sweet potato in a saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft and the sweet potato is tender. Drain any excess water thoroughly.
- 2.While the lentils cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3.In a large bowl, mash the drained lentil and sweet potato mixture. Add the sautéed onion-spice mix, chopped parsley, whole wheat flour, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
- 4.Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape into 8-12 small patties. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands with a little water.
- 5.Heat the remaining olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the cakes for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- 6.To make the dip, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice and zest, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Serve the warm lentil cakes with the cool yogurt dip.
Nutrition Information
8g
fat
61g
carbs
15g
fiber
20g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is rich in plant-based protein and fiber from lentils, supporting muscle maintenance and digestive health. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and a high dose of vitamin A, making this a balanced and nutrient-dense meal.