Easy Slider Sweet Potato Lentil Sliders
Highlighted under: Balanced Healthy Meals Favorites
I absolutely love making these Easy Slider Sweet Potato Lentil Sliders for a quick and satisfying meal. They’re packed with flavor and are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the earthy lentils, creating a deliciously hearty slider that everyone will adore. Plus, these sliders are simple to prepare, making them an easy go-to recipe for busy days.
Creating these Easy Slider Sweet Potato Lentil Sliders has been a delightful journey in my kitchen. I remember the first time I combined sweet potatoes with lentils; the result was a burst of flavors that amazed my family. The trick in this recipe is to roast the sweet potatoes until they are caramelized, which adds depth and richness to the sliders.
Another key point is the use of spices. I experimented with various combinations and found that cumin and smoked paprika bring out the best flavors in the lentils. It’s exciting to see how simple ingredients can transform into something so delicious!
Why You'll Love These Sliders
- Comforting combination of sweet and savory flavors
- Nutritious and satisfying swap for traditional sliders
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasting sweet potatoes not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds delightful caramelization to the dish. When tossing the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, make sure to coat them evenly to promote optimal roasting. Lay them out in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and ensure they achieve that desired crispy texture. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark; you want them fork-tender with beautiful golden-brown edges.
If you’re short on time, you can microwave the diced sweet potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before roasting to reduce cooking time in the oven. This step is particularly helpful if your sweet potatoes are larger or denser. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can hinder their caramelization.
Essential Techniques for Flavorful Sliders
The key to a flavorful slider lies in the combination of spices and aromatics. While cumin and smoked paprika are essential for that earthy and slightly smoky backdrop, feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or coriander for extra depth. I love using fresh minced herbs as they add brightness to the earthy lentils and sweet potatoes. Just a teaspoon of fresh herbs can elevate your sliders significantly without overpowering the original flavors.
Mashing the mixture lightly is critical—too much mashing can result in a paste-like texture, while leaving it chunky offers a satisfying bite. Aim for a consistency where you can still see bits of both sweet potato and lentils. If the mixture feels too loose to form patties, adding a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or oats can help bind everything together without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your sliders:
Slider Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slider buns
- Lettuce and tomato for serving
You can add any extra toppings you like!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your delicious sliders:
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, sautéed onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mash lightly with a fork until mixed but still a bit chunky.
Form the Sliders
Using your hands, form the sweet potato and lentil mixture into small patties. You should be able to make about 8 sliders.
Cook the Sliders
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and cook the patties over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Assemble and Serve
Place each slider patty on a bun and add your desired toppings such as lettuce and tomato. Serve warm and enjoy!
These sliders are perfect for any occasion!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding some Sriracha or hot sauce to the patties. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch for future meals.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders can be dressed up with an array of toppings. Avocado slices, pickled onions, or a tangy yogurt sauce can complement the sweetness of the potato and the richness of the lentils. For a kick of heat, consider adding some jalapeño slices or a drizzle of sriracha to bring a new dimension to every bite. Don't shy away from making a slider platter; arrange all toppings beside the sliders so your guests can customize their own.
For those looking to elevate their experience further, serving a side of sweet potato fries or a refreshing salad balances the richness of the sliders wonderfully. A crunchy slaw with a zesty dressing can also add a nice contrast, providing both flavor and texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These sliders are perfect for meal prep! You can batch-cook the sweet potato and lentil mixture, then form patties and freeze them for later use. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the patties so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then cook them as directed for a quick meal.
If you have leftovers, store the cooked sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, allowing them to crisp back up while getting heated through. This method preserves the texture, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, canned lentils can save time. Just drain and rinse them before using.
→ What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
You can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash as an alternative.
→ Can I bake the sliders instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Easy Slider Sweet Potato Lentil Sliders
I absolutely love making these Easy Slider Sweet Potato Lentil Sliders for a quick and satisfying meal. They’re packed with flavor and are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the earthy lentils, creating a deliciously hearty slider that everyone will adore. Plus, these sliders are simple to prepare, making them an easy go-to recipe for busy days.
Created by: Beatrice Holloway
Recipe Type: Balanced Healthy Meals Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Slider Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slider buns
- Lettuce and tomato for serving
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, sautéed onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mash lightly with a fork until mixed but still a bit chunky.
Using your hands, form the sweet potato and lentil mixture into small patties. You should be able to make about 8 sliders.
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and cook the patties over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Place each slider patty on a bun and add your desired toppings such as lettuce and tomato. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding some Sriracha or hot sauce to the patties. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch for future meals.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g