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Moist Baked Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

These Moist Baked Lentil Meatballs are a flavorful, vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, packed with protein and nutrients from lentils and enhanced with savory Italian seasonings. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, they offer a satisfying texture and can be served with pasta, rice, or your favorite sauce.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 meatballs

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils, brown or green (canned brown lentils recommended)
  • 1 flax egg (see notes) or 1 large egg
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (can substitute with parmesan cheese if not vegan)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
  • 1 pinch black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (can use regular), or up to 3/4 cup as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine all ingredients except the breadcrumbs. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still retains some texture — avoid pureeing it into a paste.
  3. Add Breadcrumbs: Add the whole wheat breadcrumbs to the mixture and pulse again until fully incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet to shape into balls, add more breadcrumbs gradually, up to 3/4 cup, until the right consistency is achieved.
  4. Form Meatballs: Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each.
  5. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. About halfway through baking, flip the meatballs to ensure even browning on all sides. The meatballs should be golden brown and firm when done.
  6. Serve: Serve the baked lentil meatballs hot with pasta, rice, and your favorite sauce for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Notes

  • To make a flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it gels.
  • You can substitute nutritional yeast with parmesan cheese if not following a vegan diet.
  • If using canned lentils, drain and rinse prior to use.
  • Adjust breadcrumbs to achieve the right mixture consistency suitable for rolling.
  • These meatballs freeze well; freeze uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container to bake later.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/moist-baked-vegetarian-lentil-meatballs-recipe/