Vegan Kefta

Transform your weeknight dinners with this flavorful Vegan Kefta recipe, a plant-based twist on the classic Middle Eastern favorite. Made with a hearty blend of brown lentils and chickpeas, these kefta are richly seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a warm, earthy kick. Fresh parsley and garlic add vibrant freshness, while a quick pulse in the food processor creates the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ready in just an hour, these golden patties are pan-fried to perfection and pair beautifully with warm pita, creamy hummus, and a crisp side salad for a satisfying vegan meal. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, in wraps, or atop a grain bowl, this easy vegan kefta is sure to become a new favorite. Perfect for those seeking plant-based Mediterranean recipes or flavorful meatless alternatives.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown lentils
• 1 cup Canned chickpeas
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2

Rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water and drain well.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, paprika, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but still has some texture. Be cautious to not over-process into a paste.

Step 5

Form the mixture into small, elongated patties or balls, about 2-inches in length, pressing the mixture firmly together.

Step 6

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the kefta patties to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 8

Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.

Step 9

Serve the vegan kefta hot with your choice of pita bread, hummus, and a fresh salad or as a sandwich filling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1226.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	931.4

Total Fat 35.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3164.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.0g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 37.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 534.7mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 2641.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.3%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 51.1%