Baked Lentil Falafel

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (soaked in water for 2 hrs)
• 1 small purple carrot or beetroot (cooked till tender, optional)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder (or chilli flakes)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup cilantro or parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
• 5 cloves garlic
• 4 tbsp tahini
• 1/2 cup Turkish or Greek yoghurt (or dairy free options)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps ---

2. 2

   Reserve 1/4 of the lentils in a large bowl & set aside.

3. 3

   Add the remaining ingredients into a food processor & blend till it becomes a coarse sand texture & clumps together easily.

4. 4

   Taste to adjust seasoning, transfer to the bowl with the reserved lentils & stir to mix.

5. 5

   Using a falafel mould or hands to shape the fritters into desired sizes.

6. 6

   Sprinkle sesame seeds on both sides & transfer onto a lined baking tray brushed with olive oil.

7. 7

   Bake in a 180 deg C preheated oven for 15-20 mins until they turn golden brown & turn crispy at the edges.

8. 8

   --- Steps ---

9. 9

   Combine all ingredients into a blender or food processor, blend till smooth & creamy.

10. 10

    Taste to adjust seasoning.

11. 11

    Serve falafels with salad & herbs of choice & drizzle with tahini sauce.

12. 12

    Alternatively, arrange falafel into a pita bread or flatbread, with salad, herbs & tahini sauce.