Mediterranean Chicken & Red Lentil Fritters with Zesty Herb Yogurt

Ingredients

• 250 g Ground chicken breast (lean)
• 0.5 cup Red lentils (dry)
• 0.25 Yellow onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Fresh spinach
• 1 Large egg
• 2 tbsp Whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp Ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp Fresh mint
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill
• 0.5 clove Garlic
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
• pinch Salt pinch Salt
• pinch Black pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse red lentils thoroughly. Combine lentils with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until lentils are tender and water is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and let cool slightly.
2. While lentils cook, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and chopped spinach, cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground chicken breast, cooled cooked lentils, sautéed onion-garlic-spinach mixture, large egg, whole wheat breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined but do not overmix.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a flat, round patty, about 1-inch thick.
5. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the fritters in the hot pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
6. While fritters cook, prepare the Zesty Herb Yogurt Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped parsley, mint, dill, optional 1/2 minced garlic clove, optional red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
7. Plate two fritters per person and generously dollop or drizzle with the zesty herb yogurt sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)