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Lentil Fritters: A Hearty Vegetarian Delight

Lentil Fritters: A Hearty Vegetarian Delight

Dive into these lentil fritters—wholesome, flavour-packed vegetarian bites filled with melting primosale cheese and infused with the rich soul of Sicilian tradition.

Author: Vito Costa • Published on: January 1, 2023
Categories: Main courses
Tags: lentils eggs pecorino cheese primo sale cheese breadcrumbs parsley extra-virgin olive oil salt black pepper
⏱️
Prep Time
Around 30 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
About 30 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 8
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ All year round
⭐ 4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • ✓ 400g cooked lentils
  • ✓ 2 eggs
  • ✓ 100g grated Sicilian pecorino cheese (DOP)
  • ✓ 70g breadcrumbs
  • ✓ 50g primosale cheese, cubed
  • ✓ A handful of chopped parsley
  • ✓ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ✓ Salt, to taste
  • ✓ Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
170 kcal
Protein
8 g
Fat
6 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fiber
4 g
Sodium
230 mg

Lentil fritters make for a wholesome, flavoursome vegetarian main that’s perfect for those who crave healthy eating without skimping on taste. Soft and tender inside with a crisp, golden crust and a gooey centre of primosale cheese, these fritters are bursting with flavour that wins over even the most doubtful palates.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the lentils until tender, then drain thoroughly and allow to cool well. They should be quite dry to help the fritters hold together.

  2. 2

    Pop the lentils and eggs into a food processor and blend until smooth and combined.

  3. 3

    Add the grated pecorino, breadcrumbs, parsley, a pinch of salt and pepper, then blend again until the mixture is firm enough to shape.

  4. 4

    With slightly damp hands, form the mixture into balls, making a little pocket in each to tuck in a cube of primosale cheese. Seal them well and roll in extra breadcrumbs.

  5. 5

    Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the fritters until they're golden and crisp all over. Drain on kitchen paper to get rid of any excess oil.

  6. 6

    Serve your lentil fritters warm, perhaps alongside a crisp seasonal salad or a cooling yoghurt sauce.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a lighter option, bake the fritters on a lined tray, brushing them lightly with oil, at 200°C for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. To add a bolder flavour, mix a spoonful of sesame seeds or sweet smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs before coating.

📦 Storage

  • • Keep cooked fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • • You can freeze the uncooked fritters by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
  • • To reheat, pop them in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes or warm gently in a pan with a splash of oil.
  • • Avoid microwaving to preserve their lovely crispiness.
  • • Always serve hot to enjoy that gooey, cheesy centre at its best.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy these lentil fritters with a glass of Eloro Pachino Riserva—a richly scented, musky red wine that beautifully complements the earthy lentils and sharp pecorino.

Give these lentil fritters a go at home—you'll find they make a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's as nourishing as it is tasty. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they bring a lovely slice of Sicilian charm to your table that’s sure to warm the heart. Do let me know how you get on and if they become a regular in your kitchen rotation!

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