Poppy Seed-Spiced Lentil Dumplings

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, savory lentil balls coated in nutty poppy seeds, served with a tangy yogurt sauce. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 26 minutes pairs lentils, poppy seeds, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix cooked lentils, ground poppy seeds, diced onion, and 1 tbsp cilantro until combined. Form into 10 small balls.
  2. Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook dumplings for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Whisk yogurt with lemon juice and remaining cilantro. Serve dumplings warm with yogurt sauce drizzled over top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Poppy Seed-Spiced Lentil Dumplings take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Poppy Seed-Spiced Lentil Dumplings?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Poppy Seed-Spiced Lentil Dumplings?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Poppy Seed-Spiced Lentil Dumplings for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Poppy Seed-Spiced Lentil Dumplings?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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