Lentil Falafel With Lime Yogurt - A Healthy Vegetarian Lunch Recipe (2024)

Falafel is probably one of my favourite Middle-Eastern dishes of all time. Lentil falafel is best served when fresh, you can enjoy it with any dip of your preference. This version is a little different though. Instead of the usual chickpea mixture, these falafels are based on a combination of chickpeas and lentils. It is the creation of Alexander’s Bar & Kitchen in Skipton, Yorkshire.

What’s on at Alexander’s?

I recently visited Alexander’s and was delighted to discover a diverse cosmopolitan and innovative menu. The surroundings are classy and elegant, inviting you in for any occasion, whether it be lunch, dinner or after work drinks. The secret garden, for instance, is quite a remarkable place and I can’t wait to go back in the summer months and enjoy it to the fullest.

Alexander’s take the spirit of the explorers and turned it into a whole new dining concept. With an interesting and international menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is plenty to choose from the vast bar menu featuring a number of creative signature co*cktails.

If you are planning a visit to Alexander’s in Skipton, one tip is to check out their What’s On page first on their website, right here. On this page the good people behind Alexander’s will keep you updated about ongoing and upcoming events, and special offers. This is where new additions and changes to the menu are announced. At Alexander’s they value seasonal produce so expect regular updates. For a full review, click right here.

Alexander's special events

This is also where you can find the latest information on special events. For instance, Alexander’s just hosted the event Gin & Jazz night - an opportunity to enjoy a performance by the talented saxophone and piano duo Laurie Covell and Chris Bland. Can you imagine anything cooler than to kick back with an excellent gin and tonic while listening to live jazz? Fingers crossed that these guys will be making another appearance soon. Furthermore, with a range of 30 different gins on stock, there should be more than enough for at least a few tastings.

Apart from events such as the jazz night, there are also ongoing offers such as co*cktail Hour. It is on from Monday through Thursday from 17h00 to 19h00 and in this time frame you can order two signature co*cktails for the price of one. Basically, a steal considering the quality you receive. So if you are in the area Alexander's is a great venue to meet up with friends after work.

Another great offer is the option to become a member of the A Club. As a member you will receive exclusive invitations for events, master classes, tastings and much more. In addition, you will even receive a gift on your birthday! Oh, and did I mention that members of the 'A' club are on the constant receiving end of seasonal freebies? Throughout February and March 'A' club members can enjoy one complimentary coffee each week! I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Lentil falafel

Falafel-wise, it is important to get the seasoning just right - exotic and flavourful but not overpowering. You can add a pinch of chili powder to the falafel mixture but be careful not to overdo it. Alternatively, preserve the balance of the falafel and then add the kick in the form of a chili dipping sauce afterward.

It takes a bit of preparation to precook the chickpeas and lentils if you buy the dried ones but it will work out cheaper. Once you have the basic ingredients ready to go, you can blend with a batch of falafel mixture in no time.

To prevent the falafel from burning you fry them for only a few minutes in the oil before finishing them off in the oven. They should be warmed through without getting burned on the outside or becoming dry inside. If you want to try a different kind of falafel, check out my sweet potato and mung bean falafel here.

Make vegan lentil burgers instead

The beauty of working with a mixture/batter is that you can transform it into any shape you like. If you're dead bored of falafel, there is nothing stopping you from making patties and serving vegan burgers instead. The egg is used in this recipe to bind the ingredients. Omitting it simply means the patties will be brittler.For more inspiration on this th,eme you can also have a look at my chana tikki.

Build your own vegan lentil burgers with the vegetables of your choice using the homemade patties instead of meat. Personally, I am trying to cut back on meat. It has not been easy but tasty dishes like this one makes it all the more possible to actually go through with my vegetarian challenge.

Serve with lime yogurt

The flavours of this dressing are typical for the Middle East. The combination of lime and coriander in a yogurt dressing is the ideal companion for the lentil falafels.Actually, you can serve it with a side of my cucumber raita too, which is also a delicious yogurt based dip. For a vegan alternative, try thiscoriander chutney.

In terms of salad, I like to keep it simple, but the textures and flavours should complement each other. For example, it is great to have some crisp and crunchy salad, some fresh and sharp spring onion, and some juicy sweet tomatoes. These flavours go particularly well with the lentil falafel and lime yogurt.

Place the falafel on a plate with the lime yogurt, some salad and flatbread and you have a gorgeous meal, perfect for a weekend lunch or an unusual weekday dinner. That said, if you can't be bothered with all the faff, just visit Alexander's for a quick fix!

What is your favourite way to enjoy falafel?

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