Heart-Healthy Crispy Spiced Lentil Bites
Delight in the wholesome goodness of these **Heart-Healthy Crispy Spiced Lentil Bites**, the perfect fusion of bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. Packed with protein-rich red lentils, fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and a touch of fresh cilantro, these golden-brown bites are the ultimate guilt-free snack. Quick to prepare and pan-fried to crunchy perfection, they offer a healthier twist on traditional fritters, using just a splash of heart-healthy olive oil. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a midday snack, these lentil bites are bursting with texture, warmth, and an irresistible kick of spice. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone seeking a flavor-packed, protein-rich treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water. In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil, then add the lentils. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well until the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the lentil mixture and form it into small, bite-sized patties with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lentil bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked lentil bites to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
682 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1215 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 20.0 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 150 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1066 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
