Description
These Easy Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs are a nutritious and delicious plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with cooked lentils, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, they are perfect for a hearty dinner served with pasta or rice. Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cups cooked lentils, brown or green
- 1 large egg (or flax egg)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
Binding Agent
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or up to 3/4 cup as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Blend the ingredients: Combine all ingredients except the breadcrumbs in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is mixed but still retains some texture, ensuring it’s not too smooth.
- Add breadcrumbs: Gradually incorporate breadcrumbs into the mixture and pulse again until the mixture becomes firm enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
- Serve: Enjoy your vegetarian lentil meatballs with pasta, rice, or your favorite sauce for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the large egg with a flax egg for a vegan option (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes).
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- These meatballs freeze well; bake them from frozen at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Feel free to customize seasonings to your taste, such as adding smoked paprika or fresh herbs.
- Serve with marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch or a spicy tomato sauce for extra flavor.
