Spicy Kebabs with yogurt dip

Hi friends! Everybody likes Kebabs. Not all kebabs have to be made with meat! Try out these scrumptious, easy, vegetarian lentil kebab recipe. It is high fiber, tasty and, perfect to serve at lunch or as evening / party snack with any spicy chutney/ dip. This recipe is a superb and yummy substitute for meat kebabs that all will enjoy. Make these Indian-style crisp lentil Kebabs for perfect party snacks or a starter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Sabut Masoor /red lentils
• 1 medium size onion, or / 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 12 cloves of garlic, cut into small pieces
• 2 tbsp Cilantro/ Coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tsp lemon juice or juice of 1 small lemon
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2/3 tsp salt / or salt to taste
• Oil for frying

For garnishing:

1 medium size onion, cut into rings.

Method:

Step 1.

Wash and soak sabut Masoor / red lentil overnight in cold water, drain and keep aside.

Step 2.

For the lentil kebabs, tip the drained sabut Masoor / red lentil into a food processor and blend until coarsely mashed, but not puréed.

Step 3.

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add chopped onions, chopped garlic and chopped Cilantro/ Coriander leaves. Add salt, green chilies and freshly ground black pepper and mix well.

Step 4.

Take about 2 Tbsp of the mixture in your hands (You can oil your palms if it’s sticking) and roll into kebabs. The mixture is thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 5.

Take sufficient cooking oil into a deep heavy bottom frying pan and place over medium flame . To test if the oil is hot enough for frying, put a small piece of onion in it, if the onion sizzles in the oil and comes on the surface fast, the oil in the pan is at the correct temperature for frying Kebabs.

Step 6.

Gently slide in Kebabs one by one in hot oil , until the pan is fairly full but not overcrowded. We need to fry them in batches. Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden-brown and cooked through.

Step 7.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on Paper kitchen towel to drain out the excessive oil before serving.

Step 8.

Serve the hot and spicy kebabs with the spicy coriander/ cilantro/mint chutney or can serve these with cucumber dip too.

Yogurt Dip:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt/ Dahi/ curd
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, minced or 1 tsp dried mint leaves powder
• 1 cup cucumber pieces, cucumber peeled and cubed
• 1/2 tsp Salt /or to taste

Method:

1. Place the yogurt, cucumber in a blender and puree on high speed until blended. While blending, gradually add the mint and salt. Dip is ready!

Lentils Storage Tips:

• Lentils a longer shelf life. You can store lentils in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. This way they can be stored for up to twelve months.

• Lentils purchased at different times contain varying stages of dryness and hence, should be stored separately as they will require different cooking times.
• Cooked lentils have a relatively shorter life. If kept in a covered container in the refrigerator, they can remain fresh for about three days.

Health Benefits of Masoor dal (Lentils): 

• Lentils are extremely rich in soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, thereby helping in removing bile from the body. It further helps in eliminating and reducing blood cholesterol levels.
• The soluble fiber in lentils has the property of trapping carbohydrates. It slows down the digestion and absorption process, hence preventing major changes in blood sugar level throughout the day. This helps diabetic patients.
• The insoluble fiber in lentils leads to the feeling of early satiation; hence, people eat less and gain fewer pounds. Besides, insoluble fiber is indigestible, which passes through the body adding just a few calories.

• Lentils are rich in flavones, a class of antioxidants with antioxidant properties. Studies have proved that regular consumption of lentils can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Lentils prove to be significant for a healthy heart as they prevent heart coronary problems. Fiber in the lentils reduces blood cholesterol levels and plaque forming on the walls of the arteries, thereby eliminating the risk of stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.
• Besides fiber which contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system, lentils contain folic acid and magnesium, significant for reducing the level of homocysteine, a compound known to be dangerous for the heart and artery walls. Also, lentils promote better blood flow and passage of oxygen and nutrients to the organs.
• Rich in the antioxidant, molybdenum, lentils assist the body in breaking down harmful substances hence reducing allergy symptoms. This antioxidant is also essential for preventing impotency, particularly in older men, and avoiding anemia.
• Researches indicate that the vitamin E found in lentils helps prevent the risk of Parkinson’s disease, though the exact connection is not yet determined.

 Ref. http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/lentils-nutrition.php

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

• Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
• Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
• Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
• If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
• Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.