Creamy, sweet, and crispy, these patties use chickpea flour to help bind them, giving a falafel-like flavor with a hint of sesame and lemon. They’re super easy to put together (especially if you have leftover sweet potatoes), and easy to adapt–try different greens, use olive oil instead of sesame oil, and add any fresh herbs you love. Leftovers are perfect for packed lunches, too!
Kale and Sweet Potato Patties
2 teaspoons mild or medium extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup packed finely chopped kale
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
3/4 cup chickpea flour
3 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons ground ginger
Fine sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Lemon zest, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat the oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Add the kale and green onions and cook until the kale is wilted, about 2 minutes. Put the mixture in a bowl with the sweet potatoes, chickpea flour, ground flaxseeds, cilantro, sesame oil, ginger, and salt and pepper. Mix well, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Use sesame-oiled hands to roll pingpong-sized balls of the mixture between your palms. Repeat with remaining mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn, and bake for 10 minutes more. Remove the balls from the oven. Use your palm to gently flatten into a patty. Bake for 5 minutes more per side, until golden on the edges. Sprinkle with zest. Drizzle with sesame oil and lemon juice. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Laurie Sadowski 