SPONSORED • ONLINE REWARDS
$400M+
IN REWARDS DISTRIBUTED

Your Screen Time
Could Be More Rewarding.

Play games. Complete surveys. Try apps. Discover why millions use Freecash to earn rewards from everyday online activities.

START EARNING REWARDS →
FREE SIGNUP • 80M+ USERS • REWARDS VARY
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Spiced Lentil Balls with Creamy Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Spiced Lentil Balls with Creamy Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Spiced Lentil Balls with Creamy Yogurt Sauce are an irresistible vegetarian dish that brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table. These delightful lentil balls are spiced with fragrant herbs and served with a luscious yogurt sauce that perfectly complements their warmth. Whether you’re looking for a hearty appetizer or a standout main dish, this recipe is sure to make your taste buds dance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spiced Lentil Balls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of spices and creamy yogurt sauce creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone!

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Flavor-packed with aromatic spices.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
  • Versatile – serve as an appetizer or main dish.
  • Healthy and satisfying vegetarian option.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
  • Extra cilantro for garnish

How to Make Spiced Lentil Balls with Creamy Sauce

  1. In a pot, combine the red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion mixture, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs as needed.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Shape the lentil mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake the lentil balls for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  7. While the lentil balls are baking, prepare the creamy yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and additional chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Once the lentil balls are done, remove them from the oven and serve warm, drizzled with the creamy yogurt sauce and garnished with extra cilantro.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
  • Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; you can add more chili powder for extra kick.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Easy Variations

  • Add grated carrots or zucchini to the lentil mixture for extra veggies.
  • Substitute the cilantro with parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
  • Serve with a spicy harissa or tahini sauce for a unique twist.

What to Serve With It

  • Fresh pita or naan bread for dipping.
  • A crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
  • Roasted vegetables or a vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
  • Couscous or quinoa to soak up the creamy yogurt sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lentil balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. The yogurt sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to a week.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Spiced Lentil Balls with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
  • Extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine the red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion mixture, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs as needed.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Shape the lentil mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake the lentil balls for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  7. While the lentil balls are baking, prepare the creamy yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and additional chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Once the lentil balls are done, remove them from the oven and serve warm, drizzled with the creamy yogurt sauce and garnished with extra cilantro.

Notes: Adjust spices and flavors according to your preference. Enjoy!

Related Posts

WANT TO MAKE $350+ TESTING GAMES & APPS?
YOUR SCREEN TIME COULD BE WORTH MORE.

Join Freecash and discover rewards for playing games, completing surveys, trying apps and more.

80 MILLION+ USERS WORLDWIDE

Sponsored • Rewards vary by activity and eligibility.

START EARNING REWARDS →
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top