Lentil and Walnut Meatballs Recipe
If you’re seeking a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional meatballs, look no further! This Lentil and Walnut Meatballs recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, these meatballs are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients Needed:
To create these delightful lentil and walnut meatballs, you will need:
– 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
– 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan version)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils and finely chopped walnuts. Mash lightly with a fork to create a mixture that holds together but still has some texture.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the sautéed mixture to the lentil and walnut blend, followed by the cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, breadcrumbs, parsley, soy sauce, and egg. Mix until well combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
5. Using your hands, form the mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space in between.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also pan-fry them for a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These lentil and walnut meatballs can be served over spaghetti with marinara sauce, nestled in a sub for a hearty meatball sandwich, or simply enjoyed with a side salad. They can even be frozen for future meals, making them a convenient and tasty option.
Enjoy this delicious Lentil and Walnut Meatballs recipe as a wholesome, plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor!
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown), 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped, 1 small onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 carrot, grated, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan version)
Tags:
lentil meatballs, walnut meatballs, vegetarian meatballs, vegan meatballs, plant-based meatballs, meatball recipe, lentil recipe, vegan recipe, vegetarian recipe, healthy recipe, easy recipe, oven-baked meatballs, pan-fried meatballs, meatball subs, spaghetti and meatballs