Description
These Easy Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs. Packed with protein and flavor, they are perfect for a satisfying meal or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentil Mixture:
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Flavor:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Serving:
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Cook Lentils: Simmer lentils in broth until tender. Drain and cool.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Sauté Onion: Cook onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and seasonings.
- Prepare Mixture: Mash lentils, mix with onion, seasonings, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, and parsley.
- Shape and Bake: Form into balls and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Enjoy with marinara sauce over pasta or as an appetizer.
Notes
- You can freeze these before or after baking. To add spice, include crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
