Lentils in the Mediterranean Diet: Lentil Falafel Recipe

Lentils have a long history in Mediterranean food traditions, and Chef Rebecca Peizer from The Culinary Institute of America shows us how to make a classic Mediterranean dish, falafel. Instead of using chickpeas, she uses lentils and serves the falafel with a lentil dip.
Lentil Falafel
Ingredients:
1 cup (250 mL) whole green lentils
1 cup (250 mL) split red lentils
2 cups (500 mL) onion, roughly chopped
3/4 cup (175 mL) parsley, chopped
3/4 cup (175 mL) cilantro, chopped
2 tsp (10 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried hot red pepper
6-8 garlic cloves
2 tsp (10 mL) cumin
1/2 cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour (if needed)
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
canola oil, for frying as needed
Garnish:
2 tomatoes, diced
2 onions, diced
2 green bell pepper, diced
1 head lettuce, shredded
lentil hummus
whole wheat pita
Directions:
1. Place the red split lentils in a large bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by at least 2 inches; soak for 1 hour. Drain.
2. Place the whole green lentils in a large bowl and soak overnight. For a quick soak, place them in a pot covered by 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, drain and cool.
3. Place the drained lentils and the onions in the bowl of a food processor. Add the parsley, cilantro, salt, hot pepper, garlic, and cumin. Process until blended but not puréed-it should look mealy. If needed, add a bit of flour.
4. Sprinkle in the baking powder, and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Form the mixture into balls about the size of walnuts, using water to wet hands so the balls don’t stick.
6. Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in a deep pot or wok and fry 1 ball to test. If it falls apart, add a little flour. Fry the balls until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
7. Serve with whole wheat pita, lentil hummus, and garnish with tomato, onion, lettuce and peppers.
Produced by The Culinary Institute of America as an industry service to Canadian Lentils.
Recipe & Photo Copyright: Culinary Institute of America.
www.lentils.org/recipe/lentil...

[@a.ereuthalion183]

I just made the half dose and used just green lentils. No flour needed. They are magical! The secret is to constantly taste the mixture until you find the right flavour for you and maybe add some more spices of your choice. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.

[@midoann]

This channel made my day! A lentils Chanel and directed by chefs! I was looking for a lentils falafel not with chickpeas and here I am. I’ll prep today this recipe, arigatou from Japan thank you 💕

[@heard3879]

I don't know where to get red or green lentils. I only see brown lentils in the stores near me. Will they work?

[@PatriciaFankhanel-cb4kn]

Where’s the recipe

[@PatriciaFankhanel-cb4kn]

How much lentel

[@eldruidacosmico]

Butter IS a healthy fat, and so is tallow.

[@zacharycain8914]

Any way to cook it without deep frying? Could you bake it?

[@eatlentils]

Yes, you could!

[@flyingnutrition6199]

yes but you need to add oil to the mixture .... not sure if without oil it works ...

[@tellme238]

Do you cook the lentil 1st????

[@eatlentils]

yes

[@amazing5244]

Soaked lentils

[@bdw7254]

Don’t really care about health of lentils
They are super cheap and I love them

[@tadgmcloughlin6061]

Butter IS healthy!

[@bluntman99999]

Canola oil is not healthy at all. Otherwise great recipe.