Persian Spiced Lentil Patties

• 1 1/2 cups red lentils
• 3 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red chile, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon advieh seasoning (available from specialist Middle Eastern shops) or ras-el-hanout
• 2 organic free-range eggs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup medium matzo meal
• olive oil, for shallow-frying

1. Place the lentils in a glass bowl, cover with double the volume of water, and cook in the microwave on high for 30 minutes.
2. (Alternatively, simmer them gently in a pan over low heat until tender, topping up with water as necessary to stop them from drying out.)
3. Drain any excess liquid.
4. Set aside to cool.
5. Meanwhile, gently cook the shallots in the olive oil until soft but not colored.
6. Add the chile, cilantro and advieh and stir for a few minutes to coat the shallots in the herbs and spices.
7. Break the eggs into a large bowl and beat well with a fork.
8. Add the cooked shallots and the cooked lentils and mix thoroughly.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Stir in the matzo meal to bind and set aside to swell for about 10 minutes.
11. With wet hands, form the lentil mixture into golfball-sized balls and flatten slightly.
12. Cook the patties in the olive oil for 45 minutes on each side until golden.
13. Serve with homemade flatbread (or pita) and salad.
14. If necessary, these patties can be cooked in advance and reheated, either in the microwave on high for 2 minutes or on a baking sheet in a warm oven for 5 minutes.

red lentils, shallots, olive oil, red chile, fresh cilantro, advieh seasoning, eggs, salt, medium matzo meal, olive oil

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/persian-spiced-lentil-patties-recipe/ (may not work)