Print

Crispy Lentil Fritters

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crispy Lentil Fritters, or Tortillitas de Lentejas, are golden, savory bites made from tender lentils, fresh herbs, and warm spices. Perfect as tapas or a main dish, they’re deliciously crisp and served with a saffron-garlic mayo aioli for extra flavor.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • For the Lentil Fritters:
  • Dried green lentils
  • Water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • All-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • Sparkling water
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the Saffron-Garlic Mayo Aioli:
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • Pinch of saffron threads
  • ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Extras:
  • Sunflower oil for frying
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse lentils and simmer in water with a bay leaf until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, egg, and sparkling water until smooth.
  3. Fold in shallot, garlic, parsley, paprika, cumin, lentils, salt, and pepper.
  4. Heat sunflower oil in a skillet. Drop spoonfuls of batter and fry 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  5. For aioli, mash garlic, saffron, and a pinch of salt into a paste. Mix with mayo, lemon juice, olive oil, and season to taste.
  6. Serve fritters with aioli and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Brown or red lentils can be substituted.
  • For baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Add chili powder or cayenne for a spicier version.
  • Plain water can be used in place of sparkling water, but the texture may be denser.
  • Great served with salad, roasted veggies, or alongside other tapas.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/crispy-lentil-fritters/