Lentil Fritters

A high-octane, energizing side dish or starter course. Obsessed with all things lentils, this dish is on our table often. And the spicy tomato dipping sauce will have you moaning with pleasure, while your healthy heart dances with joy.

Makes 2-4 servings

Ingredient List:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed very well
• 2 ½ cups spring or filtered water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ½ stalk celery, finely diced
• ½ medium carrot, finely diced
• 4 tablespoons (approx.) chickpea flour
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Sea salt
• 3 stems fresh flatleaf parsley, finely minced
• 3 stems fresh basil, leaves removed, finely minced
• Olive oil, for frying
  
  Spicy Tomato Dipping Sauce
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
• 1 cup tomato puree
• Sea salt

Step By Step Instructions:

Make the lentils by placing in a pot with water and bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add bay leaf, garlic, celery and carrot. Cover and cook until the lentils are quite soft and creamy, about 20 minutes.

Transfer lentil mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in chickpea flour, chia, a light seasoning of sea salt and herbs. Mix well. Form mixture into 2-3-inch patties and set aside.

Make the sauce by combining ingredients in a small saucepan and simmering for 10-15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and simmer until ready to serve.

To make the fritters, place olive oil in a flat-bottom skillet to cover the bottom of the pan. Lay the fritters in the oil and cook, over medium heat until browned at the edges, about 3 minutes. Turn once and cook until browned on both sides. 

Transfer to a serving plate with the spicy tomato dipping sauce on the side or spooned over the fritters.