Lentil Nuggets 

This simple recipe for lentil nuggets is perfect for the finicky eater in your family. These delectable bites are loaded with protein-rich lentils and vegetables including carrots and bottle gourd.

Does anyone else’s child have a chicken nugget obsession? Fear no more, give your children these nuggets instead of chicken nuggets. 

I have been experimenting with these lentil nuggets dish as a way to get children to eat something different. These nuggets are both more nutritious and more vegetable-rich

Many vegetarian nugget recipes utilize mashed potatoes as the base, but I used red lentils as the base because they are higher in nutrition.

In addition to being a great source of iron, protein, and some B Vitamins, red lentils are a fantastic source of dietary fiber.

I added breadcrumbs to the lentils & vegetables to help hold everything together. I have used gluten-free breadcrumbs but you can use others if you want. You can also add grated cheese for extra flavor.

The recipe yields roughly 15 juicy chunks (or more if you make them smaller). Freeze them in one layer on a plate or dish if you don’t want to eat them all at once, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Cooking them frozen will require an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

When life gets busy, I pull out a bag of lentil nuggets from the freezer. They make an excellent lunch when accompanied by chopped carrots, cucumbers, and peppers.

Or, with home-cooked potato wedges and peas, they make a great dinner. Yum!

Why Should You Try These Lentil Nuggets?

• Made with just simple ingredients
• Prepared quickly.
• Prepared in just a few steps
• Really, ANYONE can make these nuggets.
• Ideal for dinner preparation or take-out lunches
• Use your preferred variety of lentils.
• may it be brown, green, or red
• Very satiating
• Healthy, nutritious, and rich in plant-based proteins
• Whether you’re making a burger or a salad, this tastes great with a dollop of yogurt sauce.
• All members of the family will enjoy these meatless vegan chicken nuggets, kids of all ages can enjoy these nuggets and they can get involved in shaping them.
• These are the best vegan snacks for kids.

You can scroll down to the recipe card to read how to make lentil nuggets, but I suggest don’t skip reading the important information included in the blurb.

Is Brown Lentil Healthy?

Brown lentils, also known as masoor dal, are a nutrient-dense food with a long list of health benefits. A cup of brown lentils contains 230 calories, 15 grams of fiber, and 17 grams of protein. Undoubtedly, a single bowl of brown lentils can satisfy the dietary and nutritional needs of a whole meal. It has numerous good effects on health and the body.

Here are some health benefits of brown lentils:

Helps To Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels.

Again, it contains a lot of dietary fiber. It has a low glycemic index and slows down how quickly blood is absorbed from food in the small intestine. As a result, it effectively slows digestion and avoids rapid or unexpected increases in blood sugar levels. Therefore, persons with sugar issues, diabetes, and low insulin production should regularly consume it.

Lowers Cholesterol and Protects The Heart.

Brown lentil contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, the brown lentil has the potential to significantly reduce the body’s cholesterol levels. It may also assist the body to eliminate excess cholesterol. This will increase blood flow and lower the risk of developing any form of heart disease.

Lower Cancer Risk.

Brown lentils can lessen cancer risk. This is mostly due to lentils’ high fiber and folate content, which is what provides this food its anti-cancer qualities.

You can lower your risk of developing several different cancers, including bowel, breast, colon, and lung cancer, by regularly ingesting lentils. It also helps to prevent colon cancer by speeding up digestion and reducing the requirement for digestive biles.

Age-Reversing Qualities.

Brown lentil is high in antioxidants, which may help to decrease cell damage. Its high vitamin content tends to strengthen the immune system, making it a potent anti-aging meal. It might help in keeping your skin looking young and healthy. Brown lentil can be applied to the skin directly in addition to being consumed.

Nourishes The Bones And Teeth.

The vitamin and nutrient-rich brown lentil is a great source of calcium and magnesium, two minerals that are vital for strong bones and teeth. You must consume it regularly and in sufficient quantities to experience all of its health benefits.

Beneficial For Maintaining Good Vision.

In addition to the nutritional benefits listed above, brown lentil is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are crucial for preserving clear vision and good eyesight. You could avoid eye conditions like cataracts and muscle deterioration by consuming 1 cup of brown lentil daily.

Good For Weight-Loss 

The most important component of the majority of diets for weight loss is brown lentils. It is low in fat content and has just the right number of carbohydrates to make you feel satisfied. Because it contains a lot of fiber, it slows down digestion, which increases its ability to help you lose weight. A single serving of brown lentils provides all the vital vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients you need for a well-balanced diet.

Ingredients Used

• Brown lentils: This recipe calls for brown lentils, but you may also use any variety of lentils in this recipe, whether they are brown, green, or red.
• Carrot: Carrot is a tasty addition to this recipe. They’re not only delicious but nutritious as well.
• Zucchini or Bottle gourd: bottle gourd can be found in any Indian or Asian grocery store.
• Onions: Adds a subtle sweetness to the nuggets.
• Gluten-free bread crumbs: I have used gluten-free bread.
• Mint leaves: For that vibrant, punchy flavor, use fresh mint leaves.
• Green chili: I used green chili, but you can omit it so if you want.
• Salt: Any salt will work, but I used ionized salt.
• Chili flakes: You may use paprika for a lighter flavor, but lentil nuggets are incomplete without red chilies.
• Coriander powder: The flavor of ground coriander seeds, also called coriander powder, is fragrant, sweet, and somewhat lemony.
• Turmeric: A warm staple spice, comes with multiple health benefits.
• Cumin seeds: The addition of cumin seeds adds a touch of warmth and earthiness to this dish.
• Oil: For frying, use neutral cooking oil.

How To Make Lentil Nuggets?

1. In a pan, sauté onions with cumin, grated carrot, and grated zucchini or bottle gourd.
2. Add in all the spices and cook until water from the veggies evaporates.
3. Add in spices and boiled mushy brown lentils.
4. Give it a good mix.
5. Set aside in a bowl and let it cool.
6. Add in mint, chilies, and bread crumbs.
7. Shape up like nuggets and shallow fry in some oil.
8. You may bake or air fry according to preference.

What To Serve Them With Lentil Nuggets?

For delicious vegan burgers or sandwiches, put them into burger buns or bread along with tomatoes, onions, vegan mozzarella, and your preferred sauce.

To make wraps or pita pockets, you may also add them to tortillas or naan bread.

Or, serve them with a herb dip Hummus, tzatziki, and guacamole as fritters.

Alternatively, serve a Buddha bowl or a fresh salad with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

How To Store Lentil Patties?

The nuggets can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container, or they can be frozen. I advise using parchment paper to separate each piece before stacking and freezing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you get a craving for some, you can simply remove the nuggets and reheat them in the oven or pan.

Notes:

• When vegetables release a lot of water, it can be difficult to shape them. In that case, increase the number of bread crumbs.
• You can also include grated cheese if you don’t want to make this recipe vegan. If cooking for young children, stay away from red chili flakes.
• Use whichever breadcrumbs work for your family, whether it be white, brown, or gluten-free.
• Simply form the dough into balls, flatten it slightly, and then press the sides to make indents for the nugget shapes.

Possible Variations

• Other herbs and spices that you can use are curry powder, marjoram, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
• You are welcome to add additional veggies, such as mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, and zucchini. Ensure that they are finely chopped. The nuggets will be challenging to form if there are large bits.
• To add more taste, mix in some crushed seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, walnuts, or toasted pine nuts.
• If you want to make tomato-based pesto or vegan tacos, you can also form them into meatball-like vegan meat substitutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bake These In The Oven Or Air Fryer?

Yes! Spray the nuggets with oil before baking if you wish to bake them. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25 minutes at 392 °F (200 °C), flipping once halfway through, or until golden and crispy.

They will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer set to 392 °F (200 °C).

Can Lentil Nuggets Be Prepared In Advance?

Yes, this ought to work. The lentil nuggets can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, cling-wrapped until they’re ready to be cooked. You may also freeze the uncooked nuggets in their shapes for up to a month.

Are Mashed Lentils Healthy?

Lentils of every color—brown, green, yellow, red, and black—are nutritious and filling, thanks to their low-calorie count, high levels of iron and folate, and protein content. They include polyphenols that promote health and may lessen a number of risk factors for heart disease.

If you like and enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment to let me know your feedback. Have fun cooking!