Brown Lentil Meatballs with Red Pepper Relish
Brown Lentil Meatballs with Red Pepper Relish is a meal that showcases the versatility of lentils. Made from tinned brown lentils blended to a smooth consistency, mixed with Parmesan, tomato paste, an egg for binding, and seasoned with fresh parsley and Hungarian paprika. The process involves chilling the meatballs to firm them up before baking. They're then served atop a luscious sauce made from ajvar, a Balkan red pepper relish, and cherry tomatoes. A dollop of créme fraîche or sour cream adds a creamy richness to the dish with a side of crisp green salad and tangy pickles.
- 2 x 400 g tins of Brown Lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp finely Grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh Flat-leaf Parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Hungarian paprika
- A pinch of Sea Salt
- Chickpea (besan) or Wholemeal Flour (optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 550 g Ajvar (Balkan red pepper relish)
- 200 g Cherry Tomatoes
- 4 tbsp Créme Fraîche or Sour Cream
- Green salad
- Pickles
- Creating the Lentil Meatball Mix:
By processing four-fifths of your brown lentils using a stick blender or food processor. Next, incorporate the unblended lentils, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, a lightly beaten egg, finely chopped parsley, Hungarian paprika, and a pinch of sea salt into the mix. If the mixture feels too moist and fails to hold shape, akin to cookie dough, improve its texture by adding one to two tablespoons of chickpea (besan) or wholemeal flour. Shape the mix into meatballs approximately the size of golf balls, acknowledging they might be a bit messy. Arrange these on a baking tray lined with paper and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to achieve a firmer texture.
- Baking Preparation:
While the meatballs are firming up, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4, setting the stage for baking.
- Baking the Meatballs:
Once 30 minutes have passed, lightly coat the meatballs with olive oil, then place the tray in the oven. Bake them for 25-30 minutes.
- Simmering the Sauce:
During the baking period, prepare the sauce by warming ajvar (a flavorful Balkan red pepper relish) and cherry tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the tomatoes are tender, and the ajvar is thoroughly heated.
- Serving the Dish:
To finish, arrange the meatballs atop the savory ajvar sauce. Enhance their flavor with a light touch of créme fraîche or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Complement this main course with a side of crisp green salad and pickles.
