Spicy red lentil balls (vegan)

The red lentils are very versatile and easy to make in any form. From soups to curries and salads, the choice is wide. But, it turns out that red lentils taste best when made as patties or balls, like in this recipe.

Mixing them with your favourite veggies and spices will result in a delightful dish. My recommendation is to always add grated ginger, for the fresh kick, and cumin, which brings the pungent flavour. Cinnamon is also an amazing addition; its sweet flavour complements the hotness of the chilli flakes.

These spicy red lentil balls can be prepared in a pan or oven. If you decide for oven-baked, make sure to flip them halfway through the total baking time (which is approximately 20 minutes). If you have a non-stick pan that requires no or minimum oil for cooking, follow the recipe instructions below. Avoid deep-frying!

This snack is perfect for people who wish to consume more legumes, but are unsure how or simply dislike them. Serve the spicy red lentil balls with a refreshing and creamy dip or salad. One proposal is the good old raita, but if you wish something even more aromatic, give this lovely baked zucchini dip a go.

Spicy red lentil balls (vegan)

Course: Snacks, Entrees

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

If you’re bored with typical ways of preparing red lentils or your kids are refusing to eat them, try this recipe. You can adjust the flavours to your taste, making it hot, sharp or even slightly sweet if you like.

Ingredients

• 200 gr led lentils, uncooked

• A piece of fresh ginger, grated

• Two carrots, grated

• 1 spring onion

• 1 flax egg

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic powder

• Chilli pepper flakes

• Coriander seeds, grounded

• Fresh or dry parsley

• Cinnamon, grated

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

• Soak the lentils in warm water for at least 30 minutes.
• In the meantime, combine all the other ingredients apart from olive oil, in a food processor or chopper.
• When the lentils soften, rinse them and add to the mixture. Pulse until you get a paste-like consistency. Sprinkle it with a bit of olive oil and stir well.
  
• Heat 1/2 of olive oil on a non-stick pan, at medium heat.
• Form small balls or mini patties from your red lentil paste and cook them on the oil on all sides until they become brown and get a fine crust.