Traditional Greek Vegetarian Soutzoukakia: easy, quick, simple and absolutely delicious

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber and are a healthier option.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point.

lentils

🥗Healthier: chickpeas

💰Cheaper: black beans

Chickpeas offer a similar texture and protein content.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade puree avoids preservatives.

Soak 1 cup of chickpeas overnight for about 12 hours, then rinse well.

Finely chop 1 medium onion and set aside.

In a food processor, blend the soaked chickpeas until a paste consistency is achieved.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, lemon zest, baking powder, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the chickpea paste and mix well using hands.

Shape the mixture into oval shapes and coat them in flour.

Heat oil in a skillet and fry the shaped chickpeas until golden brown on each side.

Remove fried chickpeas and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

For the tomato sauce, grate 2 large tomatoes and finely chop 1 medium onion.

In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, add the onion, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick, and sauté until the onion changes color.

Add sliced garlic, chili flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan and sauté briefly.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and then add the grated tomatoes and cumin, cooking until it reaches a boil.

Carefully line the fried chickpeas in the sauce without stirring to avoid breaking them, cover, and simmer on medium to low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens