Zesty Plant-Based Lentil Meatball Recipe You’ll Adore

Tired of bland vegetarian options that leave you unsatisfied?

These hearty easy vegetarian lentil meatballs pack a punch of flavor and protein that will revolutionize your plant-based cooking.

Lentils form the robust base of this incredible dish, creating a savory and satisfying alternative to traditional meatballs.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings, each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Tender, golden-brown, and incredibly versatile, these lentil meatballs can be served over pasta, tucked into sandwiches, or enjoyed as a standalone appetizer.

Dive into this delicious recipe and experience a plant-based meal that even meat lovers will adore.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

• Lentils: Hearty protein powerhouse that provides rich earthy flavor and meaty texture, choose green or brown varieties for best structural integrity.
• Egg: Crucial binding agent that helps hold meatballs together, select fresh free-range eggs for superior richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build deep savory undertones, opt for fresh produce with firm, unblemished surfaces.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds cheesy umami notes without dairy, select golden flaky version for maximum flavor complexity.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that infuses Mediterranean warmth, choose high-quality dried mix with vibrant green color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning partners that elevate overall taste profile, use freshly ground pepper for maximum potency.

• Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and absorbs moisture, select fine, dry breadcrumbs for optimal meatball consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes subtle sweetness and helps bind ingredients, choose rich, dark paste with concentrated flavor.

Tools for Rolling and Baking Lentil Balls

• Food Processor or High-Speed Blender: Essential for mixing ingredients quickly and creating a consistent texture.
• Baking Sheet: Must-have for evenly baking and spacing the lentil meatballs.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Ensures meatballs don't stick and makes clean-up easy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portions.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps incorporate breadcrumbs and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Clean Hands: Perfect for forming uniform meatballs with the right size and shape.

Lentil Meatball Cooking Instructions

• Lentil Mixture Foundation

Gather all ingredients and combine them in a food processor. Blend until ingredients are well mixed but still maintain a slightly chunky texture. The goal is to create a hearty base that will give your meatballs robust flavor and interesting consistency.

• Binding Elements

Add breadcrumbs to help hold the mixture together. Mix carefully to ensure even distribution. The breadcrumbs will help absorb excess moisture and create a more compact texture for your vegetarian meatballs.

• Shaping Technique

Gently form small round balls using your hands. Make sure each meatball is roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Place the shaped meatballs on a lined baking sheet with some space between them.

• Oven Transformation

Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F. Watch them closely as they turn golden brown and become firm. Midway through cooking, carefully turn each meatball to promote even browning and consistent cooking.

• Serving Inspiration

Plate your lentil meatballs with your favorite pasta, rice, or as a standalone dish. Pair with a complementary sauce that enhances their rich, earthy flavors. These versatile meatballs work beautifully in multiple culinary scenarios.

Add-Ons and Sauces for Lentil Balls

• Enhance the nutritional value by mixing in quinoa or chia seeds into the base mixture. These superfoods will increase protein content and add a delightful texture to your meatballs.
• Replace whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, ground oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This simple swap ensures everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs.
• Prepare a double batch and freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for quick weeknight meals. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Elevate your dish by serving with diverse sauces like creamy cashew alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, or fresh marinara. Each sauce brings a unique character to these plant-based meatballs.

Serving Lentil Meatballs with Sides

• Pasta Paradise: Nestle these hearty lentil meatballs atop a bed of spaghetti marinara, creating a classic Italian-inspired comfort meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.
• Mediterranean Magic: Serve these protein-packed meatballs alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese, drizzled with a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing.
• Sandwich Sensation: Tuck the lentil meatballs into a warm whole wheat pita or crusty ciabatta roll, topped with fresh spinach and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce for a delightful lunch option.
• Grain Bowl Goodness: Create a nutrient-dense grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, and these savory lentil meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Meal Prep and Storage for Lentil Balls

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled lentil meatballs in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 4-5 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. These delicious vegetarian bites will stay tasty for up to 3 months, ready for quick meal prep.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a skillet with a splash of olive oil for crispy edges, or gently reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Add a drizzle of marinara sauce to restore moisture and enhance flavor.
• Smart Portion Control: Consider batch cooking these nutritious meatballs on weekends. Divide into single-serving containers for effortless lunch and dinner options throughout the busy work week, saving time and ensuring healthy eating habits.

Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty “vegetarian lentil meatballs” offer a protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired dish crafted from wholesome ingredients. Savory herbs and spices complement the rich lentil base, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) cooked lentils (brown or green)
• ½ cup (60 g) whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) nutritional yeast
• 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) tomato paste
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) sea salt, or to taste
• 1 pinch black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pulse lentils, onion, garlic, and seasonings in a food processor to create a cohesive yet textured mixture, ensuring robust flavor integration.
2. Binding: Fold whole wheat breadcrumbs into the mixture, carefully adjusting moisture levels to maintain structural stability and facilitate smooth meatball formation.
3. Shaping: Gently mold the mixture into uniform spherical portions, using consistent pressure to create compact, well-defined vegetarian meatballs.
4. Baking Preparation: Position meatballs on a lined baking sheet, allowing ample space between each for optimal heat circulation and even browning.
5. Roasting: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F, turning midway through cooking to ensure a golden-brown exterior and thoroughly heated center, approximately 20-25 minutes total.
6. Finishing: Remove from oven and allow brief resting time to solidify texture, then serve alongside preferred accompaniments like marinara sauce, pasta, or fresh herbs for a complete vegetarian meal.

Notes

• Master Texture Control: Blend lentils carefully to maintain a slightly chunky consistency, crucial for achieving the perfect meatball structure and preventing a mushy outcome.
• Binding Brilliance: Whole wheat breadcrumbs are key to holding the mixture together, so adjust moisture levels meticulously to ensure optimal cohesion and prevent crumbling.
• Even Cooking Hack: Strategically space meatballs on the baking sheet and rotate midway through cooking to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent doneness.
• Flavor Amplification: Don’t skip on aromatics like onion and garlic – they’re essential for transforming simple lentils into a rich, deeply flavored vegetarian protein alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg