Name: Lentil Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green, brown, or French lentils (rinsed); 1 cup slow-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth (plus additional as needed); 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion); 1 cup shredded carrots; 2 cloves garlic (minced (about 2 teaspoons)); 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats (do not use instant or steel cut); 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 large egg; Prepared whole wheat pasta noodles, zucchini noodles, or sweet potato noodles; Good-quality red pasta sauce or pesto ((store-bought or homemade))

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If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, nutritious, and utterly delicious alternative to traditional meatballs, look no further than these Lentil Meatballs. Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, and a medley of vegetables, they’re perfect for any pasta dish, served with a side of zoodles, or even on their own. Plus, they’re easy to make, affordable, and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of lentil meatballs!

Reasons to Love Lentil Meatballs

Lentil meatballs are not just a fantastic meat substitute; they are a versatile and nutritious option for everyone. Here are a few reasons to love them:

1. **Nutritious**: Lentils are loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making these meatballs a wholesome choice.
2. **Versatile**: They pair wonderfully with various sauces and can be served with pasta, on a sub, or even atop a salad.
3. **Budget-Friendly**: Lentils are inexpensive, making this recipe easy on the wallet while still being filling.
4. **Simple to Prepare**: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
5. **Plant-Based**: Perfect for vegetarians and vegans, these meatballs provide a satisfying meat-like texture without any animal products.

Ingredient List

To create these delightful lentil meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup dried green, brown, or French lentils (I used green French lentils)
1 cup slow-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth, plus additional as needed
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats (do not use instant or steel cut)
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large egg
Prepared whole wheat pasta noodles, zucchini noodles, or sweet potato noodles
Good-quality red pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade) or pesto

Equipment & Tools

To make your lentil meatballs, gather the following equipment:

Large pot – for cooking the lentils.
Skillet – for sautéing the onions and carrots.
Mixing bowl – to combine all the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
Baking sheet – to bake the meatballs.
Food processor (optional) – if you prefer a finer texture for your meatballs.

Cook Lentil Meatballs Like This

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making these delicious lentil meatballs!

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water. In a large pot, combine the rinsed lentils and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. If the lentils absorb all the broth and are still not tender, add a little more broth as necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and shredded carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, rolled oats, chopped parsley, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use a fork or your hands to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using your hands, shape the lentil mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the lentil meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden and firm to the touch when done.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Once the lentil meatballs are cooked, serve them over whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or sweet potato noodles, and top with your favorite marinara sauce or pesto. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to adapt the recipe based on availability or personal preference, consider these swaps:

Swap green lentils for brown or black lentils if that’s what you have on hand.
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
Use any type of broth you prefer—vegetable, chicken, or even homemade stock.
Substitute shredded zucchini or finely chopped spinach for the carrots for a different veggie twist.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or even basil can work in a pinch.

Learn from These Mistakes

To ensure your lentil meatballs turn out perfectly, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

Don’t skip rinsing the lentils! This removes any debris and helps improve the taste.
Make sure your lentils are cooked but not mushy; they should hold their shape well.
Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can lead to a dense texture.
When baking, ensure they are spaced out properly on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

These lentil meatballs are excellent for meal prep and can be stored or frozen for later use:

To store: Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave for a few minutes until warm.

Try These Next

If you enjoyed making lentil meatballs, you might also want to try:

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring these lentil meatballs to life! With their rich flavors and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them for dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, these lentil meatballs are a delicious way to nourish your body without compromising on taste. Happy cooking!