Lentil Meatballs

This recipe was found on the Forks over Knives app. The lentil meatballs are so tasty and healthy. The app is wonderful, chock full of healthy plant based recipes. Each recipe includes a summary of the recipe, a list of ingredients, and the preparation method. It's the best!!!!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini, trimmed and cut into 1/4 " pieces; need about 3 cups total)
  • 1 small onion, cut into 1/4 " dice, need about 1 cup
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 15 oz. can of brown lentils (Look for low sodium; about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 2 T no salt added tomato paste
  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground fennel seed (my addition)
  • 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (my addition)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or any whole grain flour)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1 cup oil-free marinara sauce, warmed

Preparation: Preheat oven to 370 degrees.

Over high heat in a skillet, cook the mushrooms, onion, and garlic, stirring often so veggies won't stick to pan and/or burn. As the veggies start to char, reduce the heat and cook on medium for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the lentils, rice, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, oregano, onion powder, fennel, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Stir in the flour, mixing well again. Remove skillet from the heat and transfer mixture to a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes. (Spreading out on baking sheet allows the mixture to cool more quickly.)

Line a separate baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.

Scoop up 1 T of the mixture and hand-roll each into a ball. Roll the ball in the breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place the lentil balls on the prepared baking sheet. 

Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy.

When done, serve the meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce.

You can serve these with your favorite pasta or have lentil ball hero sandwiches.

Besides being very tasty, the lentil meatballs are healthy and loaded with all important fiber and cancer fighting nutrients.