Green Lentil and Zucchini Falafel:
Green Lentils: I have not cooked lentils for this falafel recipe. So to soften the lentils, it is necessary to soak it in water for at least 8-10 hours. Instead of green lentils, brown lentils can also be used. I have also made falafel with red lentils, Red Lentil Baked Falafel Zucchini: Zucchini provides tenderness to these Falafel. If you do not have zucchini available, that is perfectly fine. There will no change in the taste of falafel without zucchini. But if we use zucchini in the recipe then we will have to be very careful. Because it contains lots of water, it is very important to remove as much water as possible from zucchini. Otherwise mixture will be very soft and watery, difficult to be handled. Spinach and Coriander Leaves: You can also use other greens of your choice. Like parsley or kale instead of spinach and coriander would also go well in this recipe. Lentil Mixture: The mixture will be very soft, but do not panic. You can also just drop the 2tbsp of mixture into frying pan without shaping and then press with spatula to flatten the patties. Once you will drop patties into oil in frying pan, it will start getting firm. But if it is hard for you to handle the mixture and cannot shape the patties at all, add some oat flour or chickpea flour. You can also add white flour. But be careful while adding flour, start with only a tablespoon and then add as you need. Shallow Frying the Falafel: I have cooked these falafel with shallow frying in thin layer of oil in non stick frying pan. It really gives super crispy texture from outside. And it does not take long to cook these falafel. Baking the Falafel: If you like to bake instead of shallow frying; pre-heat the oven at 375° F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon mat. Place the falafel on the baking sheet and lightly brush with oil. Bake them for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure to flip the falafel half way through baking time. Many ways to Enjoy Green Lentil and Zucchini Falafel:
In a wrap with veggies Stuff into pita bread or pita pocket with veggies Through into your salad Enjoy on its own with choice of chutney, yogurt or ketchup
Try this healthy falafel recipe and include more lentils and veggies in your diet. Please leave your comment if you are making these falafel. You may also like: Healthy Zucchini Paneer Fritters Zucchini Packed Besan Chilla Air Fried Chickpea and Spinach Tikki Corn Paneer Tikki Poha Cutlet
