Lentil Croquettes

Ingredients:

11/4 cups split red lentils
1 green bell pepper, seeded, and finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped unsalted peanuts
2 1/2 cups water
1 egg, beaten
3 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cayenne pepper
4 tbsp vegetable oil
salt and pepper
salad greens and herbs, to serve

Preparation:

Put the lentils in a large saucepan with the bell pepper,onion, garlic,garam masala,cayenne pepper,ground cumin,lemon juice,and peanuts.Add the water and bring to a boil.Reduce the heat and simmer,stirring occasionally,for about 30 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed.

2. Remove the mixture from the heat and leave to cool slightly.Beat in the egg and season to taste with salt and pepper.Leave to cool completely.

3. With floured hands,form the mixture into 8 rectangles.

4. Mix the flour, turmeric,and cayenne pepper together on a small plate.Roll the croquettes in the spiced flour mixture to coat thoroughly.

5. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the croquettes,in batches,and fry,turning once,for about 10 minutes, until crisp on both sides.Transfer to warm serving plates and serve the croquettes with crisp salad greens and fresh herbs