LebaneseAppetizerSalty Sweet UmamiHalal

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.

Spiced Lentil and Walnut Kofta with Pomegranate Glaze

Prep Time

50 min

Difficulty

Medium

Servings

4

Calories

350 kcal

Instructions

  1. 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. 2

    While the lentils cook, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the walnuts and parsley.

    ~5 min
  3. 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. 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. 5

    Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized koftas (about 1.5 inches in diameter).

    ~10 min
  6. 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. 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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