Spicy Lentil Snacks With Sesame Seeds

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked red lentils or 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. 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. 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. 3

   Mix everything together and let cool until you can handle it.

4. 4

   Heat up an oven to 180°C / 360°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon baking liner.

5. 5

   Make ready a plate with mixed sesame seeds and nigella seeds (a ratio of about 2 to 1 is good).

6. 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. 7

   Put the balls on the lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes or until the surface is a bit crispy.

8. 8

   You can eat them as-is, or with a yogurt dipping sauce.