Ετικέτες
almonds, cauliflower, lahmacun, mince, pita bread, red lentils
Our “travels” in the world of taste, fortunately, unlike others, never stop, since we only need to implement the mood for experimentation and be open to new recipes to enjoy a unique traveler’s experience. “Travelling” in taste takes us from one place to another, leaving us pleasantly impressed and of course full.
So today we decided to go to the East, in order to enjoy a 100% vegan yet delicious lahmacun. I like to share this recipe as it comprises one of our favorite dinner and picnic dishes. Vegan lahmacun is very easy to prepare but in the same time it’s healthy and filling. Actually, one basic reason that make it so appealing is the fact that although it is a fast food dish, it is also packed with nutrients and beneficial substances found only in plants, making it ideal for a quick, healthy and tasty meal at home. After all, this recipe is the perfect way to get your kids to eat more vegetables!
Ingredients
6 large Lebanese pita breads or 10-12 smaller
For the vegan “mince” sauce
- 2 ½ cups cauliflower florets
- 1 carrot peeled
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves crushed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup raw almonds finely chopped
- ½ cup red lentils soaked for 4-6 hours and drained
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- ½ cup red wine
- 400 g (1 package) slightly concentrated tomato juice
- ¾ tsp red hot chili pepper flakes
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and plenty of freshly ground pepper
Method
1. Put the cauliflower in the food processor bowl and beat lightly until it shatters into mince-sized pieces. Grate the carrot on the coarse side of the grater.
2. In a saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the onion for 1-2 minutes. Add the almonds, the cauliflower, the lentils and the carrot and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the wine and the remaining ingredients, reduce heat and let cook for half an hour or until the sauce thickens.
3. Assembly: In a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, place 1-2 pita breads. Above each, spread a layer of mince sauce and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes at 200 oC. The lahmacun is better when served hot, drizzled with lemon juice or topped with 1-2 tablespoons of vegan yogurt.
Note: In Athens, you can find fresh and cheap Lebanese pita breads, whole-wheat or white, in the central market, located in Athinas street. Alternatively, search in some bakeries or supermarkets, or try to make your own!