Are you ready to transform your dinner plate with a mouthwatering, protein-packed recipe that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious? These Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters are about to become your new obsession! Imagine crispy, golden-brown patties bursting with flavor, packed with nutrition, and so easy to make that even novice cooks will feel like culinary champions. Whether you're a dedicated vegan, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves amazing food, these fritters are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 20 fritters
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the red lentils and quinoa under cold running water. This helps to remove any impurities and excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed red lentils and quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils and quinoa are tender and the water has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the lentils and quinoa are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the lentils and quinoa are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the lentil-quinoa mixture. Stir in the cumin powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- If the mixture seems too wet to form fritters, you can add the optional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place the fritters on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Once all the fritters are formed, lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the baked red lentil quinoa fritters warm, with your choice of dipping sauce or a side salad. Enjoy!
Tips
- Rinse your lentils and quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a clean, fresh taste.
- Allow the lentil-quinoa mixture to cool slightly before forming patties to help them hold together better.
- If the mixture seems too wet, don't panic! Gradually add flour to achieve the right consistency.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray or brush the fritters with olive oil before baking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each fritter some space to crisp up evenly.
- Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or herbs like fresh parsley to customize the flavor.
- These fritters are perfect for meal prep – they reheat beautifully and make a fantastic make-ahead lunch or dinner option!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
