Kefta with Tomato Sauce
Kefta with Tomato Sauce is a flavorful vegan Moroccan dish featuring spiced lentil and vegetable patties served in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, bringing the essence of Moroccan cuisine to your table.

40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Moroccan
320 kcal
Ingredients
- Red lentils - 100 grams
- Carrot - 1 medium, grated
- Zucchini - 1 small, grated
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Tomatoes - 400 grams, canned, diced
- Vegetable broth - 200 ml
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Steps
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water and then boil them in a pot with 300 ml of water for about 15 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated carrot, grated zucchini, minced garlic, chopped onion, cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until a sticky mixture forms.
- Shape the lentil mixture into small patties, about 5 cm in diameter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté any remaining onion and garlic until fragrant. Then add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the kefta patties to the tomato sauce and let them cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or over couscous.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Water: 0.25 L
Health Benefits
- High in plant-based protein from lentils.
- Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
Tags
MoroccanVeganLunch