Easy Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs Recipe
These easy vegetarian lentil meatballs are a healthy, protein-packed alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with cooked lentils, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, they are baked to perfection and offer a delicious and nutritious option for plant-based meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 18 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked lentils, brown or green
- 1 large egg (or flax egg)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or up to ¾ cup as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine all ingredients except the breadcrumbs. Pulse gently so that the mixture becomes combined but retains some texture, avoiding a completely smooth puree.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Gradually add the whole wheat breadcrumbs, pulsing the mixture again until it reaches a consistency firm enough to shape into meatballs. Use up to ¾ cup if needed to achieve the right firmness.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the lentil meatballs in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking to ensure even browning. The meatballs should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve them warm 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 for 5 minutes).
- Adjust breadcrumbs quantity to get the right mixture consistency; it may vary depending on the moisture of lentils.
- These meatballs freeze well; freeze them raw or cooked for convenient future meals.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Keywords: vegetarian lentil meatballs, baked lentil balls, meatless meatballs, plant-based meatballs, healthy lentil recipe, vegan meatball alternative
