2cans30 ounces, or 850 g black or brown lentils, drained and rinsed
1cupwalnut halves(100g)
3tablespoonschopped dried mushrooms(5g)
1½tablespoonstomato paste(25g)
3tablespoonsfresh parsley(5g)
½teaspoonblack pepper
½cupgluten-free bread crumbs(80g)
FOR THE ZESTY RICE:
2 2/3cupswater(635ml)
1 1/3cupsuncooked basmati rice(255g)
2tablespoonslemon juice(30 ml)
1½tablespoonsminced fresh parsley(5g)
2teaspoonslemon zest(4g)
1/8teaspoonsaltor to taste
FOR THE ASSEMBLY:
2cupschopped lettuce(100g)
1cuphalved cherry tomatoes(130g)
¼cupslivered red onion(35g)
4lemon wedges
Instructions
TO MAKE THE LENTIL BALLS:
Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC, or gas mark 5), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Place the lentils, walnuts, dried mushrooms, tomato paste, parsley, salt, and pepper into a food processor equipped with an S-blade. Pulse the mixture until it is broken down into smaller pieces, but is not yet a paste. Fold the bread crumbs into the lentil mixture until combined.Form twenty 2-tablespoon-sized (30 g) lentil balls with your hands, and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip them over, baking for an additional 10 minutes. Cool on a rack for 7 to 10 minutes before removing them.
TO MAKE THE ZESTY RICE:
In a pot, bring the water and rice to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid, and adjust the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir the lemon juice, parsley, lemon zest, and salt into the rice until evenly combined. Taste and add more salt, if preferred.
TO ASSEMBLE:
Combine lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions in a bowl, then divide it between 4 plates or containers. Then, divide the rice and lentil balls between each plate. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.