Avihay Ricardo

Red Lentil Meatballs in Red Sauce

For the Meatballs:

* 1½ cups organic red lentils
* 1 medium-large potato
* 1 large onion
* 8 cloves garlic
* 3 tablespoon rye or spelt flour (for binding) / or 3 tablespoons fine oats. Add more if needed
* 1 tablespoon raw tahini
* 2 tablespoons soaked chia seeds
* 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
* 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon ras el hanout
* 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons date syrup (silan)

For the Sauce:

* 4 cloves garlic, crushed
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
* A little lemon zest
* 3 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1½–2 cups boiling water
* 4 tablespoons olive oil
* 1½ tablespoons date syrup (silan)
* Salt and black pepper, to taste.⁩

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Base

1. Place the soaked red lentils in a medium-sized pot. (A long soak isn’t essential, but I recommend at least 1 hour to help reduce gas.)
2. Add the whole onion, whole potato, and garlic cloves to the pot.
3. Pour in enough water to fully cover all the ingredients and bring to a boil.
4. Cook over medium-low heat until the lentils are completely soft and the potato and onion are very tender (a fork should slide in easily). Drain thoroughly to remove excess liquid.

Step 2: Prepare the Chia “Egg”

1. While the lentils are cooking, mix the chia seeds with warm water in a small bowl and let them sit until a thick gel forms. This will act as a binder in place of eggs.

-The instructions in the comments 👇🏻

Tips & Notes- I received several feedbacks about the balls turning too soft so this is important to follow!!!-
-Remove all fluid from the lentils after cooking.
* Chill or freeze the meatballs before cooking to prevent them from falling apart.
* Finely chop the herbs and vegetables, and mash the onion well.
* Brown the meatballs well on all sides, then simmer briefly in the sauce. If you feel they’re not hard enough then don’t cook them in the sauce., just pour the sauce on top.
* Serve with white rice, couscous, or fresh bread.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and plenty of tahini.

Enjoy! 🍽️🌱

Collab with @live_livingwell
תוכן בשיתוף @live_livingwell
#lentils