Sweet Potato Kale Patties have become my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal that truly nourishes. I remember the first time I made them, the kitchen filled with the warm, earthy aroma of sweet potato mingling with garlic and spices. These aren’t just any patties; they’re little golden disks of goodness that are surprisingly simple to whip up. If you’re looking for genuinely healthy sweet potato kale patties that taste incredible, you’ve found your match. This easy sweet potato kale patties recipe is about to become a staple in your rotation, too. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Kale Patties
I’m telling you, these patties are a game-changer! They’re packed with flavor and goodness, making them a winner for everyone.
- Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and earthy notes with a delightful crispy exterior.
- Super Quick Prep: Ready in about 20 minutes, these are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Health Benefits Galore: Packed with vitamins and fiber, these are truly nutritious sweet potato kale patties.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love these golden-brown delights!
- Versatile Meal: They work wonderfully as a main, side, or even a burger.
- Hearty and Satisfying: These make for a filling and delicious vegetarian sweet potato kale patties option.
Ingredients for The Best Sweet Potato Kale Patties
Gathering these sweet potato kale patty ingredients is the first step to pure deliciousness. These components work together to create a patty that’s both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped – these form the creamy, sweet base.
- 2 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and finely chopped – for that vibrant green color and earthy goodness.
- 1 small onion, finely diced – adds a subtle savory depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for frying or brushing – use one tablespoon for sautéing the kale and onion.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or oat flour – this acts as a binder, holding everything together beautifully. Oat flour is a great gluten-free option!
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan version) – another crucial binder to ensure your patties hold their shape.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – for that warm, earthy spice note.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – adds a hint of smokiness and lovely color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – a little brightness to balance the richness.
How to Make Sweet Potato Kale Patties
Follow these simple steps to create these delightful patties. I’ve found that starting with preheating the oven ensures everything else moves along smoothly, getting you to that first delicious bite faster.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, peel and chop your sweet potatoes. Boil or steam them until they are fork-tender, then mash them in a large bowl. Let the mashed sweet potato cool slightly before moving on.
- Step 2: While the potatoes are doing their thing, prepare the kale. Remove the tough stems and finely chop the leaves. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped kale, sautéing until the kale is beautifully wilted and tender.
- Step 3: Now it’s time to bring it all together! To the slightly cooled mashed sweet potatoes, add the sautéed kale and garlic mixture, the finely diced onion, the egg (or flax egg), bread crumbs (or oat flour), ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the lemon juice. Mix everything gently until it’s just combined. You don’t want to overmix!
- Step 4: It’s shaping time! Form the mixture into sweet potato kale patties, aiming for about 2–3 inches in diameter. They should hold together nicely. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon more bread crumbs or oat flour at a time.
- Step 5: For that lovely golden crispness, heat a little more olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil and fry for about 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crisp. This method yields fantastic pan-fried sweet potato kale patties.
- Step 6: If you prefer a baked approach, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay your formed patties on top. Brush them lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and cooked through. This baking method is a great way for how to make sweet potato kale patties with less oil.
- Step 7: Serve your delicious patties warm. They are fantastic on their own or with a dollop of yogurt sauce, a drizzle of tahini dressing, or alongside a fresh, crisp salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Kale Patties
I’ve made these patties more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make them absolutely perfect every single time. These tips will help you achieve that delicious, crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Ensure your mashed sweet potatoes are cooled slightly before mixing. This helps the binder work better and prevents the mixture from becoming too mushy.
- Don’t overwork the mixture when combining ingredients. Gentle mixing ensures a tender patty, whereas overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
- For extra crispy baked patties, brush them lightly with olive oil before placing them in the oven. This helps them brown beautifully.
What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Potato Kale Patties?
The key to achieving wonderfully savory sweet potato kale patties lies in balancing the moisture. Make sure your sweet potatoes aren’t too watery and that you use enough binder. Sautéing the kale and garlic first also intensifies their flavor. For more information on the health benefits of kale, you can check out resources like the NHS website.
Can I make Sweet Potato Kale Patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are fantastic for meal prep. You can form the patties and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes them even more of a quick sweet potato kale patties option when you’re ready to cook. For more meal prep ideas, visit our latest recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Potato Kale Patties?
The most common issue is patties falling apart. Ensure you’re using enough binder (egg or flax egg and breadcrumbs/oat flour) and don’t make the mixture too wet. Also, let the formed patties chill for about 10-15 minutes before cooking to help them firm up. If you have questions about our policies, please see our terms of use.
Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Kale Patties
These versatile patties are a delight no matter how you serve them! They’re wonderful as a light lunch or a hearty main course. For a fantastic sweet potato kale patty side dish, I love pairing them with a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or a dollop of cool, herby yogurt sauce.
Thinking of a plant-based burger? These patties are absolutely perfect! Serve them on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like avocado, sprouts, and a smear of tahini dressing to create delicious sweet potato and kale burger patties. They also make a fantastic appetizer when served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts for Sweet Potato Kale Patties
When you’re enjoying these delicious patties, it’s good to know they’re as nutritious as they are tasty. These values are based on a serving of two patties, making them a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 250mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Kale Patties
Proper storage is key to enjoying these tasty patties later. Once cooked, I let my sweet potato kale patties cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents any steam from making them soggy. After they’ve cooled, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. They make for fantastic quick lunches or snacks!
For longer storage, these patties freeze beautifully, just like other sweet potato and kale fritters you might make. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, I usually pop them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped up again. You can also gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat. For more information on food storage, consult our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Kale Patties
What are sweet potato kale patties?
These are delightful patties made primarily from mashed sweet potatoes and finely chopped kale, mixed with binders and seasonings. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy nutrient-dense ingredients in a convenient, versatile format. Think of them as little flavor bombs packed with vitamins and fiber!
Are these patties healthy?
Yes, they are incredibly healthy! They’re loaded with vitamins from the kale and sweet potatoes, plus fiber and complex carbohydrates. They’re a wonderful alternative to processed snacks or heavier meals, making them a great choice for anyone looking for nutritious options. For data on GDPR compliance, see our GDPR page.
Can I make vegan sweet potato kale patties?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the large egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, whisk together 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens. This works perfectly as a binder for vegan sweet potato kale patties.
What are the best serving options for these patties?
These patties are super versatile. They make a satisfying vegetarian sweet potato kale patties main dish when served with a side salad or a dollop of yogurt sauce. They’re also excellent tucked into a bun as a wholesome burger alternative or served as a flavorful side dish with your favorite protein.
Variations of Sweet Potato Kale Patties You Can Try
I love how these patties can be adapted to fit different needs and tastes! Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to mix things up, there are so many fun ways to make them your own. Here are a few ideas I’ve experimented with:
- Vegan Sweet Potato Kale Patties: As mentioned, swapping the egg for a flax egg makes these completely plant-based. I also find using oat flour instead of breadcrumbs works wonderfully for a fully vegan and often gluten-free option.
- Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Kale Patties: Simply use oat flour or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative instead of regular breadcrumbs. Ensure your other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if needed.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture for a little heat. This is a great way to make them more savory and exciting.
- Herb Garden Fresh: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for an extra burst of flavor. These additions really elevate the taste profile.
Amazing Sweet Potato Kale Patties – 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy Sweet Potato Kale Patties made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, fresh kale, and warming spices. These nutritious patties are perfect as a vegetarian main dish, side, or burger alternative.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for frying or brushing
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or oat flour
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan version)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes. Boil or steam until tender, then mash in a large bowl and let cool slightly.
- While the potatoes cook, remove stems from kale and finely chop the leaves. Sauté in 1 tbsp olive oil with minced garlic until wilted and tender.
- Add the sautéed kale, onion, egg, bread crumbs, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until combined.
- Form the mixture into Sweet Potato Kale Patties, about 2–3 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- Alternatively, bake the Sweet Potato Kale Patties on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with yogurt sauce, tahini dressing, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Replace the egg with a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Add more bread crumbs or oat flour if the mixture feels too wet.
- These Sweet Potato Kale Patties can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
- Brush lightly with olive oil before baking for extra crispiness.
- Great served in buns as a vegetarian burger option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried or Baked
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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