red lentil falafel

I am always looking for new falafel recipe and this one is super easy and tasty. Red lentils are a great source of fiber and protein - did you know that one serving of red lentils provides about the same amount of protein as a steak? And around 20% of your daily recommended fiber intake? I love the addition of hemp seeds for an additional boost of protein, fiber and healthy fat! The hardest thing about this recipe - remembering to soak your red lentils the night before! This recipe comes from my new favorite plant based cookbook ‘ Love and Lemons Every Day’.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked red lentils (soaked overnight, drained and rinsed)

1 medium shallot, chopped (about 1/3 cup)

1/4 cup hemp seeds

3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (less if you don’t like any heat)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems

1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves and stems

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Creating the Magic!

1. Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. In a large food processor, place the drained red lentils with all the other ingredients (apart from the panko). Pulse until well combined but not pureed.

3. Transfer to a medium bowl and add the panko.

4. Use a 2 tablespoon scoop to make your falafel balls. Be careful not to pack the balls too tightly or else your falafel will be too dense.

5. Place the balls on the baking sheet and press slightly to make thick patties. Drizzle with olive oil.

6. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 7 minutes. While they are cooking make the lemon-tahini sauce (see below).

7. Remove from the oven and enjoy. Serve with pita, pickled red onions, tzatziki sauce or lemon tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes and cucumbers.

Optional Lemon Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

1/4 cup tahini

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons water (plus more as needed)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt.

Creating the Magic!

1. Whisk together all the ingredients - add more water as needed.

Enjoy!