Herb-Infused Lentil Balls in Smoky Tomato Sauce🌸💗 скачать в хорошем качестве

Herb-Infused Lentil Balls in Smoky Tomato Sauce🌸💗

Welcome back to Thyme Travelers We’re making something simple but full of soul — Herb-Infused Lentil Balls in a Smoky Tomato Sauce, roasted to golden perfection and simmered with fresh thyme, rosemary, and love. Everything you’ll see here is made by hand — from grinding the lentils on a stone grinder to baking whole-wheat bread wrapped in banana leaves. ✨ This meal is about slowing down, connecting to the earth, and remembering that good food doesn’t just fill us — it heals us. 💛 So take a breath, gather your herbs… and let’s cook together. 🌿 🌿 Ingredients For the Lentil Balls • ½ kilogram (about 2½ cups) washed lentils • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped • 1 tbsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning • 1 tsp seven spice (optional for extra warmth) • ½ tsp black pepper • ½ tsp salt, or to taste • 1 tbsp chickpea flour (for binding) • 2 tbsp sesame seeds • A small pinch of Korerima (Ethiopian cardamom) • 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter (for roasting) 💫 Why sesame seeds? Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, zinc, and healthy fats that support heart and bone health. They also add a beautiful nutty aroma and help create a crisp golden crust on the lentil balls. ⸻ For the Smoky Tomato Sauce • 1 medium red onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 2 cups tomato paste or blended tomatoes • 2 tbsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp taco seasoning • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried chives • 1 sprig fresh rosemary • fresh thyme • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter • Fresh cilantro for garnish ⸻ For Serving • Fresh homemade whole wheat bread (wrapped and baked in banana leaf for aroma) • Fresh mozzarella or soft cheese slices • A drizzle of olive oil • A sprinkle of black pepper and chopped herbs for color and freshness ⸻ 🪨 Preparation Step 1 – Prepare the Lentil Mixture 1. Wash the lentils well and drain any excess water. 2. In a large bowl or using a stone grinder (for rustic texture), combine lentils, cilantro, chives, and all the herbs and spices. 3. Add chickpea flour and sesame seeds for binding and nutrition. 4. Grind or blend until the mixture holds together but still keeps some texture — not too smooth. 💡 If you prefer a faster option, you can use an electric blender or food processor instead of the stone grinder. ⸻ Step 2 – Shape and Roast 1. Roll the mixture into small to medium balls with your hands. 2. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. 3. Roast the lentil balls until golden brown on all sides — crispy outside, tender inside. 4. Remove and set aside. ⸻ Step 3 – Make the Smoky Tomato Sauce 1. In the same pan, add a little more oil or butter. 2. Sauté red onion and garlic until golden and aromatic. 3. Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, taco seasoning, oregano, dried chives, rosemary, and thyme. 4. Cook slowly over low heat until the sauce becomes deep and flavorful (about 10–12 minutes). 5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. ⸻ Step 4 – Combine and Simmer 1. Add the roasted lentil balls into the sauce. 2. Stir gently, coating each ball in the smoky tomato blend. 3. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes to let all the herbs and spices infuse beautifully. 4. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. ⸻ Step 5 – Serve with Love 🌿 Serve warm with: • Slices of fresh cheese or mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, • Homemade whole wheat bread baked in banana leaves, filling your kitchen with a subtle, earthy aroma. Enjoy it as a complete rustic feast — rich in flavor, warmth, and healing herbs. 💫Thank you, travelers, for joining me today. Every spice, every seed, every moment we share in this kitchen is a reminder — that food is connection, and healing starts at home. If this recipe touched your heart, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves rustic, soulful food. Until next time — cook slowly, season deeply, and always, always travel with love and thyme. 🌿💛