Lentil Patties with Lettuce and Yogurt

By courtneyepowell

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dried French green lentils
• Coarse salt
• 1 small red onion, half finely diced (1/2 cup), half thinly sliced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 1 head lettuce, such as oak leaf, Bibb, or escarole, leaves separated
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Cayenne pepper, for serving
• 8 to 12 caper berries, for serving

Preparation

Step 1

Step 1
Bring lentils and 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat, season with salt, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and let cool. (If not using lentils immediately, let cool and then refrigerate in cooking liquid up to 5 days.)

Step 2
Combine lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt, diced red onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, and parsley in a medium bowl. Transfer half of mixture to a food processor; pulse until smooth (or mash with a potato masher). Fold into remaining lentil mixture until well combined. Using a 1/4-cup measure as a scoop, shape mixture into eight 2 1/2-inch patties.

Step 3
Heat a heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat bottom. Add patties in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook, turning once, until crisp and brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer patties to serving plates and let cool slightly.

Step 4
Divide lettuce leaves among serving plates; top with lentil patties. Divide yogurt among plates. Season with salt, sprinkle with cayenne, and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with caper berries, sliced onion, and parsley.