03.04.2025

200g of lentils and 1 zucchini! I make this every day! Simple and delicious lentil pancakes!

By Lesia

Lentil and zucchini pancakes sound delicious and healthy! Here’s a recipe based on your ingredients, along with some tips for making them perfect:

Ingredients:

  • 200g lentils (cooked)
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 2-3 tablespoons flour (all-purpose, chickpea, or oat flour work well)
  • 1 small onion or 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin or your favorite herbs and spices (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for frying

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Cook the lentils until they are soft. You can use pre-cooked lentils from a can for a faster preparation.
    • Grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess water using a clean cloth or paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent soggy pancakes.
    • If using, mince the onion or garlic.
  2. Mix the Batter:
    • In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated zucchini, eggs, and minced onion/garlic (if using).
    • Add the flour and mix well. The amount of flour may vary depending on the moisture content of the zucchini and lentils.
    • Add the cumin or other spices, salt, and pepper to taste.
    • Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape.
  3. Cook the Pancakes:
    • Heat olive oil or cooking spray in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot pan, and flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    • You might want to cook one test pancake, to see if the batter needs more flour, or seasoning.
  4. Serve:
    • Serve the lentil pancakes warm.
    • They can be enjoyed on their own, with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, or with a side salad.

Tips and Variations:

  • Lentil Type: Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, making them ideal for pancakes. Green or brown lentils will also work, but they may require a bit more mashing.
  • Flavor Boost: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like chili powder, paprika, or curry powder.
  • Vegetable Variations: You can add other grated vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the batter.
  • Flour Alternatives: Chickpea flour adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, while oat flour makes the pancakes gluten-free.
  • Binding: if your pancakes are falling apart, add one extra egg, or a bit more flour.
  • Yogurt Sauce: A simple yogurt sauce with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs makes a great dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy lentil pancakes!