Print

Lentil Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 179 reviews

These flavorful Lentil Meatballs offer a wholesome and delicious plant-based alternative perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Made from cooked lentils blended with aromatic herbs, garlic, and parmesan, they are baked to a perfect golden brown and can be served with various dips or simmered in marinara sauce for a comforting pasta meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 small cans (15 ounces each) lentils (or 3 cups/480 g cooked lentils or 1 cup/200 g dried lentils, cooked)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup parmesan, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it reaches the ideal temperature by the time your meatballs are ready to bake.
  2. Prepare the mixture: Add all the ingredients into a food processor. This includes lentils, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, parsley, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pulse and blend: Pulse the food processor a few times, scraping down the sides once or twice to ensure even mixing. Avoid overblending; the mixture should remain coarse to keep a nice texture.
  4. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture between the palms of your hands into small, evenly sized balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, then brush or lightly spray the meatballs with oil for better browning.
  5. Bake the meatballs: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, turning halfway if desired to ensure even cooking and browning.
  6. Alternative cooking method – Air fryer: If using an air fryer, cook the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  7. Serve: Enjoy the lentil meatballs as a snack or appetizer with dips like tzatziki, tahini sauce, baba ganoush, or marinara sauce. For a heartier meal, simmer them in marinara sauce for 5 minutes and serve with pasta or bread.

Notes

  • For best texture, do not overprocess the lentil mixture; it should stay slightly coarse.
  • Use cooked lentils for the best consistency; canned or freshly cooked from dried lentils both work well.
  • You can substitute parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative to make it dairy-free.
  • These meatballs freeze well; freeze uncooked shaped meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag for longer storage.
  • Adjust salt and seasoning to taste before shaping the meatballs.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/lentil-meatballs-recipe/