Cheesy Lentil Bites
Whip up a batch of these cheesy lentil bites for your next snack attack. They're soft inside, a little crisp outside, and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 cups water (for cooking lentils)
- 0.5 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 inch ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
- 0.5 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool slightly.
- While the lentils are cooking, peel and finely dice 0.5 medium onion. Peel and finely chop 2 cloves garlic. Peel and grate 0.5 inch ginger.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced 0.5 medium onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the finely chopped 2 cloves garlic and grated 0.5 inch ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- To the pan with the cooked aromatics, add 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder, 0.5 teaspoon coriander powder, 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder, 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper powder. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, the sautéed onion and spice mixture, 0.5 cup breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher until well combined and a coarse paste forms. It should be firm enough to shape.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of the lentil mixture (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into compact, bite-sized balls or small patties.
- Place the shaped lentil bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Remove the Cheesy Lentil Bites from the oven. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like a mint chutney or ketchup.