Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters Recipe

If you’re anything like me, always on the hunt for a delicious and healthy snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these red lentil quinoa fritters are about to become your new obsession!

Creating nutritious recipes brings me joy, and my Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters are a delightful medley of flavors and health benefits. Red lentils and quinoa supply the protein, while the aromatic spices—cumin and coriander, in this case—do their seductively spicy thing.

Who knew healthy could taste this good? The addition of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon makes it a richly satisfying meal that hits all your taste and texture buttons.

Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters Recipe Ingredients

• Red Lentils: Rich in protein and fiber, supporting heart health.
• Quinoa: Provides complete protein, high in essential amino acids.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, loaded with antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Cumin: Earthy flavor, aids in digestion and metabolism.
• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats, enhances heart health.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness, rich in vitamin C.

Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)

How to Make this Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters Recipe

1. Wash 1 cup of red lentils and 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. Do this in a large bowl so that all the grains can be seen, and they can be rinsed accurately.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix together the rinsed lentils and quinoa with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until both ingredients are tender and most of the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. If needed, drain off any excess water.

3. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper.

4. In a big mixing bowl, mix the cooked lentils and quinoa with 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

5. Include 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and the juice of 1 lemon in the mixture. Stir until well combined.

6. Mix in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs for added crunch, if desired.

7. With the hands, the mixture is formed into small patties, each about 2 inches in diameter.

8. Put the patties on the baking sheet that you prepared. Place it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. At 12-15 minutes, flip all (if you can) and rotate the sheet if not all sides of the sheet are getting even heat.

9. Take them out of the oven and allow to cool for a bit prior to serving. Savor your scrumptious baked red lentil quinoa fritters!

Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Fine mesh strainer
3. Medium saucepan
4. Stirring spoon
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Garlic press (optional)
8. Measuring cups
9. Teaspoon and tablespoon measuring spoons
10. Mixing bowl
11. Baking sheet
12. Parchment paper
13. Oven
14. Spatula

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of lentils?This recipe is best with red lentils, which cook up quickly and provide a smooth-textured base. However, you could use yellow lentils if necessary.
• Q: How do I cook the quinoa and lentils?A: Wash both thoroughly. Prepare the quinoa by combining it in a saucepan with 1 cup of water; bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the lentils by simmering them in 2 cups of water for about 15-20 minutes. Note: if your quinoa and/or lentils require a different cooking time, adjust accordingly.
• Q: Can I make these fritters vegan?A: The recipe is completely plant-based, as all of its ingredients come from plants. Make sure that your breadcrumbs come from some sort of plant—probably a big, beautiful loaf of bread.
• Q: How should I store leftover fritters?A. Store in the refrigerator in a container that keeps air out. The dish is good for 3 days. To reheat, use the oven, setting it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and warming the dish until it is heated throughout.
• Q: Can I freeze the fritters?A: Yes, after baking, you can freeze them. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
• Q: What can I serve with these fritters?Q: With what do they pair well?
  A: They pair well with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce or a simple garden salad.

Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Red lentils: Can be replaced with green or brown lentils. Cooking times may vary.
Quinoa: For a different texture, you can replace it with bulgur or couscous.
Cumin, ground: For an alternate flavor profile, consider using ground caraway seeds or garam masala.
Coconut oil or avocado oil: Use in place of olive oil for a different flavor and a set of different nutritional benefits.
Parsley, fresh: Use fresh cilantro or dill as a substitute, depending on flavor preference.

Pro Tips

1. Soak the Lentils and Quinoa Before rinsing, soak the lentils and quinoa for about 15-20 minutes. This helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility. It can also enhance the texture of the patties.

2. Enhance Flavor with Extra Spices To add depth to the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a more robust flavor. Freshly grated ginger can also add a nice zing.

3. Chill the Mixture After combining all the ingredients, place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the patties. This will help the mixture hold together better when shaping and baking.

4. Use a Food Processor For a smoother texture and to ensure all ingredients are well combined, you can pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor before forming into patties. This can help achieve a more uniform consistency.

5. Experiment with Toppings and Sauces These fritters pair well with a variety of toppings and sauces. Serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki, or try a fresh tomato salsa or avocado dip for added flavor and texture variety.