Lentil Meatballs with No Meat and a Surprise Center

Ingredients

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  1 pound green lentils
  
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  2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
  
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  4 tablespoons finely minced cilantro
  
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  1 + teaspoon cumin (to taste)
  
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  2 tablespoons lemon zest
  
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  1 eggs, lightly beaten
  
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  feta cheese(about 1/2 tsp for each fritter)
  
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  4 tablespoons panko/bread crumbs
  
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  olive oil
  
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  Greek yoghurt
  

Directions

1. Rinse and check the lentils for foreign objects (like rocks!).
2. Cook in enough water to cover the lentils by about an inch. Cook until very tender. 30 min to an hour depending on age of lentils, etc. Watch them carefully.
3. Cook until very dry, stir with a wooden spoon.
4. Mash completely with a wooden spoon. Don’t make a smooth paste…you should see some whole lentils in the mix.
5. Add the egg, garlic, cilantro, cumin, zest, and panko. Mix completely, taste , and add more cumin if needed.
6. Form the “dough” into golf ball sized fritters. As you are forming the fritters, put a piece of feta (about 1/2 tsp) into each and form the fritter around the cheese center.
7. Roll the fritters into panko that is in a dish or flat surfact and coat the entire fritter.
8. Fry the fritters in olive oil that is about 1/2 inch deep. I use a high sided pan to minimize splatter of oil. Fry the fritters until all sides are golden browned.
9. Serve with Greek yoghurt that is garnished with lemon zest and chopped cilantro. Or, use them instead of meatballs with a nice tomato sauce and pasta.