Kefta de Lentilles

Kefta de Lentilles is a flavorful vegan twist on traditional Moroccan meatballs, made with spiced lentils and aromatic herbs. Perfect for brunch, these keftas are served with a zesty tomato sauce and fresh herbs, delivering a delightful taste of North African cuisine.

Ingredients

• Red lentils - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Flour (any type, for binding) - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 300 milliliters
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (for frying)
• Canned tomatoes - 400 grams (for sauce)
• Cinnamon powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, then place them in a pot with 300 ml of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until soft. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and flour. Mix well until the mixture holds together. If too wet, add a little more flour.
3. Form the lentil mixture into small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball).
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lentil keftas and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the canned tomatoes, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the keftas warm, topped with the tomato sauce and garnished with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from lentils, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and maintaining a healthy gut.

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