Vegetarian Lentil “Meat” Balls

Vegetarian meatballs can be made with a variety of ingredients. These meatless meatballs are made with lentils….I guess you can call them lentil balls?

There may not be any actual meat in these vegetarian lentil “meat” balls, but they are so satisfying you won’t even know the difference. Even your biggest meat eater will love these meatless lentil balls.

The night I made these The Hubs came home from work and asked what was for dinner. I told him “lentil balls” and he made a face. After having a few bites his tune quickly changed, and he exclaimed how excellent these tasted. I agree. This is one of the best vegetarian dishes I have ever made. The fact that The Hubs actually said out loud that he liked them is a huge indicator of their tastiness.

Not only were they super delish for dinner, but possibly even better for lunch the next day, and that’s coming from me who is NOT generally a leftover person.

So they won over a meat lover, a leftover hater and I’m pretty sure few of my veggie friends who were over last weekend will attest to their deliciousness as well.

5 from 1 vote

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Vegetarian Lentil “Meat” Balls

Vegetarian meatballs can be made with a variety of ingredients. These meatless meatballs are made with lentils....I guess you can call them lentil balls?

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, vegetarian

Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 372 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lentils
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 carrots chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
• 1 ear of fresh corn kernels removed from the cob
• 1/2 cup broccoli chopped
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1-6 oz can tomato paste
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2/3 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Combine the lentils and 2 quarts water in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are soft (but not falling apart), about 25 minutes. Drain the lentils and allow to cool.
2. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to a large frying pan and sauté the onions, carrots, pepper, corn, broccoli, garlic, thyme, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown.
3. Add the tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the lentils to the vegetable mixture.
5. Add the eggs, Parmesan, and bread crumbs to the cooled vegetable mixture and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator for 25 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
7. Coat a 13X9 baking dish in cooking spray
8. Roll the mixture into round, meatballs (about 2 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the vegetable mixture firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish in even rows.
9. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through.
10. Allow the meatballs to cool for 5 minutes in the baking dish before serving.
11. I served mine with sun-dried tomato pesto but any sauce will do

Nutrition Facts

Vegetarian Lentil “Meat” Balls

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 372 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Sodium 183mg8%

Carbohydrates 46g15%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 20g40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This healthy vegetarian meal was a welcome addition to my life after all the vacation binge eating and drinking I’ve done over the last month. Next week I have a round-up of super nutritious vegetarian meals planned for my features section.

Summer is the ideal time to get your veggies since everything is fresh. If you want to fill up on hearty meats during the winter, fine. But try to take advantage of bountiful fresh produce while you can!

If you have an awesome vegetarian dish you’d like me to try, leave a comment and let me know what it is!

Pin Meatless Lentil Meatballs for Later

More meatless meals for meat lovers

Vegetarian Meatless Meatloaf

Kale Taco Salad

Buffalo Quinoa Bites

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