Vegan Bifteki Steak With Tomato Rice

Bifteki is feta-stuffed minced steak that can be eaten as a steak, ball, or patty. Bifteki is typically cooked with ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Rice Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, olive oil, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Shape the lentil mixture into four patties, similar to the shape of steaks.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the patties with oil and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are firm and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. While the bifteki steaks are cooking, prepare the tomato rice. In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
5. Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve the vegan bifteki steaks alongside the tomato rice. You can garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 7g