Vegetarian Lebanese Kafta

Delight your taste buds with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Lebanese Kafta, a plant-based twist on a traditional Middle Eastern favorite. This recipe combines nutrient-rich brown lentils and chickpeas with a medley of fresh parsley, mint, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, creating a perfectly seasoned and textured dish. The kafta is shaped into delicious oval patties and pan-seared to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Ideal for a quick 20-minute prep followed by a 40-minute cook time, this recipe is as practical as it is mouthwatering. Serve these vegetarian kafta with creamy tahini sauce, warm flatbread, and a crisp salad for a wholesome and vibrant meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Packed with flavor and brimming with plant-based protein, this dish is a must-try for vegetarians and Lebanese cuisine enthusiasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown lentils
• 1 cup Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh mint, finely chopped
• 3 large Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. In a medium pot, add the lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 2

In a food processor, add the drained lentils and the canned chickpeas. Pulse until you have a coarse mixture, but not smooth.

Step 3

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and add the chopped onion, parsley, mint, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4

Gradually add the breadcrumbs and olive oil to the mixture, using your hands to mix until well incorporated and the mixture holds its shape when formed into a ball.

Step 5

Shape the mixture into oval or sausage-like shapes using your hands. Place them on a tray.

Step 6

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the kafta pieces and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7

Serve the Vegetarian Lebanese Kafta with a side of tahini sauce or hummus, along with flatbread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(839.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1156.1

Total Fat 40.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4016.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.8g	0%
Total Sugars 24.2g
Protein 50.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 704.6mg	0%
Iron 31.9mg	0%
Potassium 2911.6mg	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: 29.3%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 54.2%