Spiced Lentil and Walnut Kofta with Pomegranate Glaze
These flavorful koftas are a vegetarian twist on traditional Lebanese meatballs, offering a delightful blend of earthy lentils, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices. They are pan-seared to perfection and finished with a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses glaze, making for a truly unique appetizer or light meal.

Prep Time
50 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
4
Calories
350 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the brown lentils and cook them in water according to package directions until tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
~30 min - 2
While the lentils cook, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the walnuts and parsley.
~5 min - 3
In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, chopped walnuts, onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
~3 min - 4
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds its shape.
~2 min - 5
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized koftas (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
~10 min - 6
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the koftas in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
~8 min - 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses and lemon juice. Drizzle this glaze over the koftas just before serving.
~1 min
Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan before adding them to the food processor.
- Serve these koftas warm as an appetizer with a side of tahini sauce or yogurt dip, or as a light vegetarian main course with a fresh salad.
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