Lentil Barley Patties

Started with this recipe and then modified a bit.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried lentils
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3/4 cup cooked pearl barley
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Preparation

1. Combine 1 1/2 cups water and lentils in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Drain. Place half of lentils in a large bowl. Place remaining lentils in a food processor; process until smooth. Add processed lentils to whole lentils in bowl.

3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and carrot; sauté 6 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add tomato paste, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add onion mixture to lentils. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, barley, and next 5 ingredients (through egg); stir well. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

4. Divide mixture into 8 portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 patties; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and 4 patties. Serve with salsa.

Served with CSA produce - steamed corn and roasted green beans and zucchini. I really liked these - especially with the cumin and cilantro. They took a bit of time and the kids didn't like them, so they probably aren't a recipe I'll repeat soon.