Greek-Style Lentil Meatballs, Summer Tomato Salad & Tzatziki: Cooking for Wellness at NYU Langone

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese offers lower fat while maintaining a creamy texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier but canola oil is more budget-friendly.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Ground oats are gluten-free and nutritious, while crushed crackers are economical.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal binds ingredients without cholesterol, applesauce is a sweet alternative.

Cook brown lentils in salted water until tender, then drain.

Add lentils to a food processor along with diced red onion, tomato paste, lemon juice, soy sauce, paprika, dried oregano, eggs, fresh mint, and fresh parsley.

Pulse the mixture in the food processor until chunky, not a paste.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, ensuring it's moist but can be formed by hand.

If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.

Let the mixture sit in the fridge for about an hour if possible.

Scoop the mixture using an ice cream scoop and roll into balls by hand.

Place on a baking sheet with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until crispy.

Prepare a summer tomato salad with cucumber, red onion, beefsteak tomatoes, fresh oregano, and feta cheese, cut into wedges.

Make tzatziki with Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, fresh dill, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens