Ingredients You’ll Need
2 cups of flat green or brown lentils
1 small banana
3 tablespoons of bread flour
1.5 cups of breadcrumbs
1 onion, grated and strained
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Black pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme, salt*
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Liquid oil for frying.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Prepare the Lentils
Soak lentils overnight with ample water to cover. Drain well.
Cook with fresh water until soft. Cool, then drain.
Blend and Mix
Place the cooked lentils in a bowl with the small banana. Blend or mash them together.
Add seasonings (approx. 1 tsp cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1-1/2 tsp dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste), grated onion, minced garlic, and flour. Mix thoroughly.
Add Breadcrumbs
Slowly add breadcrumbs until the mixture becomes thick and can hold its shape when formed.
Cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator to rest for 20 minutes.
Shape and Cook
Form the mixture into balls or small patties.
Brush them with olive oil.
You can either bake them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes or fry them in oil, turning carefully until they are browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Tips for Perfect Lentil “Meatballs”
Adjusting Consistency
If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
If it’s too dry, add a little water or mashed banana.
Baking Option
You can also bake these lentil “meatballs” instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Get Creative with Sauces
Experiment with different dipping sauces! Try a yogurt-based sauce, a tangy tomato sauce, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
Meal Prep Friendly
These lentil “meatballs” are perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Lentils are undoubtedly a delicious and nutritious alternative to meat. They offer a wide range of health benefits, are kinder to the environment, and can be used to create mouthwatering dishes like the lentil “meatballs” we’ve shared here. So, the next time you’re craving something tasty and wholesome, consider giving lentils a try.
