Carrot + Lentil Falafel Fingers
Author: Karen Biton-Cohen for FoodieKid Prep Time: 15 mins (plus time needed for soaking lentils) Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: 6 falafel sticks
Category: Lunch, Dinner, Method for Simple Starters: Steamed
Have you noticed that kids of all ages seem to like foods that come in stick shape?! These baked (not fried) falafel-inspired lentil fingers will be a hit with the kiddos and you can rest easy knowing that they are getting the nutrition they need from plant-based protein and organic carrots found in Simple Starters Root Veggie and Squash Pack.
Ingredients:
1 4 oz packet carrots from Simple Starters Root Veggie and Squash pack
¼ cup split red lentils: soaked overnight (or boiled for 7 minutes)
¼ cup tightly packed fresh parsley leaves
1 clove garlic
⅓ cup diced yellow onion
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing the sticks before baking
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼-⅛ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions:
Fill a 2 quart pot with water 2 inches from the bottom. Once the water boils, place steamer basket inside the pot and fill with carrots from the Simple Starter Root Veggie and Squash pack. Steam for 10 minutes and then allow to cool. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Add steamed and cooled carrots, soaked red lentils (or quick-boiled and cooled)*, parsley, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, olive oil, lemon juice and salt (if using) to your food processor. Blend until almost smooth and place in the fridge for 30 min to allow mixture to stiffen. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop mixture and shape into 6 equal sized fingers. Place the falafel fingers on a parchment- lined (or silicone baking mat) baking sheet. Brush the tops with a light coating of olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes and then carefully flip the falafel fingers. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes on the other side (or until lightly golden and crisp). Allow to cool before serving. Serve with Tahini dressing (optional).
Note: *If quick boiling lentils instead of soaking, you can do so in a pot and steam the carrots in the basket above the lentils to save on dishes.
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