Spicy Lentil Snacks With Sesame Seeds

dicentra's Note:

From Just Bento.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 30 balls

• 2 cups uncooked red lentils or 2 cups dal
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• salt and pepper
• sesame seeds and black onion seeds

Directions:

1. Rinse the lentils, and put in a pan with enough water to come up to about 2cm / 1 inch above the lentils. Add 1 teaspoons of salt. Bring up to a boil, then lower to a simmer; cook until the lentils are tender and mushy, about 15-20 minutes. Drain off any excess water.
2. In the meantime, put the chopped onions, garlic, spices and olive oil in a frying pan. Let it just barely simmer over a low heat until the mixture is a golden brown, and the onions are softened. Add the brown rice near the end.
3. Mix everything together and let cool until you can handle it.
4. Heat up an oven to 180°C / 360°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon baking liner.
5. Make ready a plate with mixed sesame seeds and nigella seeds (a ratio of about 2 to 1 is good).
6. Form the lentil mixture into small balls. Dip lightly into a bowl of water, then roll in the seed mixture. (You can omit the seeds if you prefer too.)
7. Put the balls on the lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes or until the surface is a bit crispy.
8. You can eat them as-is, or with a yogurt dipping sauce.