Baked Lentil Falafel

Lentil Falafel Ingredients

1 cup lentils (soaked in water for 2 hrs)1 small purple carrot or beetroot (cooked till tender, optional)3 cloves garlic1 small onion1 tsp cumin powder1 tsp coriander powder1/2 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

Steps

Reserve 1/4 of the lentils in a large bowl & set aside.Add the remaining ingredients into a food processor & blend till it becomes a coarse sand texture & clumps together easily.Taste to adjust seasoning, transfer to the bowl with the reserved lentils & stir to mix.Using a falafel mould or hands to shape the fritters into desired sizes.Sprinkle sesame seeds on both sides & transfer onto a lined baking tray brushed with olive oil.Bake in a 180 deg C preheated oven for 15-20 mins until they turn golden brown & turn crispy at the edges.

Tahini Sauce

5 cloves garlic4 tbsp tahini1/2 cup Turkish or Greek yoghurt (or dairy free options)3 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)1/2 tsp salt (to taste)

Steps

Combine all ingredients into a blender or food processor, blend till smooth & creamy.Taste to adjust seasoning.Serve falafels with salad & herbs of choice & drizzle with tahini sauce.Alternatively, arrange falafel into a pita bread or flatbread, with salad, herbs & tahini sauce.