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Zesty Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro and Lime
Original recipe: 6 servings · Prep: 15 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 35 min
By TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 14, 2026 | Updated May 11, 2026
Latin American-Inspired
35 mins
easy-to-makevegetable-basedsoft-texturequick-prepfinger-food-friendlybalanced-nutritionsuitable-for-12-monthsbudget-friendlyquick & easylunchbox-friendlywhole-grainslunchbox ideaspicky-eaters
Zesty Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro and Lime with measured ingredients, 35-minute timing, 6-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for toddler meals, snacks, and family cooking guidance.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Latin American-Inspired
Ingredients
Servings
6
- 3/4 cup red lentils
- 1 medium (about 1 cup mashed) sweet potato
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- a pinch salt
Instructions
-
Cook the red lentils in boiling water for about 15 minutes until very soft, then drain any excess water.
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Boil or steam the sweet potato cubes until tender, about 10-12 minutes, then mash until smooth.
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Prepare the flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, mashed sweet potato, cooked quinoa, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, onion powder, olive oil, the flax egg, and a pinch of salt if using.
-
Mix well until the mixture holds together but is still soft enough to shape. If too wet, add a tablespoon more cooked quinoa or a small amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional).
-
Form the mixture gently into 6 small patties sized for toddler hands to encourage finger-food-friendly self-feeding.
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Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil.
-
Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden and heated through. Be careful when flipping as the patties are soft.
-
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving to ensure safe temperature for your toddler.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month to keep this quick & easy recipe handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Zesty Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro and Lime ahead?
- Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.
- How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?
- Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.
- Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?
- Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.
- What should I serve with it?
- Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.
Ingredient Replacements
- cup red lentils: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- medium (about 1 cup mashed) sweet potato: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- cup cooked quinoa: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- cup fresh cilantro: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- teaspoon lime zest: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
Storage
Cool Zesty Lentil and Sweet Potato Patties with Cilantro and Lime completely, then store portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze extras when practical, thaw before serving, and reheat gently only when a warmer, softer bite is helpful.
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