Description
These Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs are a delicious and wholesome alternative to traditional meatballs. Packed with protein and flavor, they are perfect for a main course or as a tasty appetizer. Easy to make and versatile, these meatballs are a great addition to any vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils (rinsed)
- 2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
Seasoning and Binding:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for rolling)
- cooking spray or extra olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Cook Lentils: In a saucepan, combine lentils and water or broth. Simmer until soft, then drain and cool.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven. Sauté onion and garlic. Combine lentils, onion mixture, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs, spices, and egg in a food processor.
- Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into balls, roll in flour, place on baking sheet, and bake.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with your choice of sauce or dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- These meatballs can be pan-fried or air-fried for a different texture.
- Meatballs can be frozen and reheated later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
