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Lentil Cakes with Feta-Yogurt Sauce and Cucumber-Cress Salad

Lentil Cakes with Feta-Yogurt Sauce and Cucumber-Cress Salad

Inspired by falafel, these cakes are made from a puree of raw red lentils, harissa, and scallions.

Martha Stewart Living, March 2012 http://www.marthastewart.com/155623/lentil-cakes-feta-yogurt-sauce-and-cucumber-cress-salad
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  • Prep Time 30 minutes
  • Total Time 30 minutes, plus soaking
  • Yield Makes 8 cakes
    Serves 4

Ingredients

    • 1 cup red lentils
    • 3 scallions, pale-green and white parts chopped; greens thinly sliced on bias
    • 1 tablespoon harissa (<a href="http://igourmet.com" target="_blank">igourmet.com</a>)
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • Coarse salt
    • 1 large egg plus 1 large egg white
    • 2 1/2 ounces goat's-milk or sheep's-milk feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
    • 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1/8 teaspoon finely grated garlic (from 1 small clove)
    • 1/2 English cucumber, cut into half-moons (1 cup)
    • 1/2 ounce upland cress or watercress (1 cup)
    • 1/4 ounce fresh mint leaves (1/2 cup)
    • 2 teaspoons safflower oil

Directions

  1. Cover lentils with 2 inches cold water. Soak 4 hours at room temperature or up to 1 day in refrigerator. Drain well. Pulse pale-green and white parts of scallions in a food processor until minced. Add harissa, turmeric, baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and egg and egg white; pulse to combine. Add lentils; puree until almost smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and stir in a little more than half the feta.
  2. Whisk remaining feta, the yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl. Combine cucumber, cress, and mint in another bowl.
  3. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place a scant tablespoon of scallion greens in pan, and spoon about an eighth of the batter on top, spreading to make a 3-inch cake. Repeat, making 4 cakes at a time. Cook until golden brown, flipping once, about 6 minutes. Add remaining teaspoon oil, and repeat.
  4. Divide sauce among 4 plates; top with salad. Place cakes next to greens, and serve.

Cook's Note

Going Green
Peppery cress is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other powerful cancer-fighting compounds.

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