Oven-Baked Lentil Meatballs

Pantry basics with fresh spices come combine for hearty, healthy and totally believe-able Oven-Baked Lentil Meatballs.

Italian food is my ultimate comfort food, but with so many meals based around meat and cheese, it can be difficult to find vegan recipes. So I made one! Lentils and grains provide a hearty base, while fresh ingredients like garlic and basil provide the flavor.

What substitutions can be made?

If you only have ground spices the meatballs will still be delicious, just add a bit more salt and pepper than you normally would. These meatballs can also be fried, but stay well put-together when baked. I wouldn’t recommend boiling them, however.

Time: 1 hour

Serves: 5

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dried lentils, cooked on the Instant Pot or stove (alternatively, you can use 2 cups of canned lentils)
• 1 cup oats, panko or dried bread
• 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce or veggie bouillon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper to taste, about 1/2 teaspoon each

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375° and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté onions in a pan on medium-high with olive oil for about five minutes, or until translucent.
3. Add garlic pieces and do the same. Set aside to cool
4. Place cooked lentils and oats (or panko or dried bread) in a blender or food processor. Pulse 2-3 times– you want the mixture to be piece-y, but not a powder.
5. Place mixture in bowl, then add onion, garlic, spices and seasoning. Stir with a wooden spoon.
6. Once well-combined, roll into “meatballs” with a 1-inch diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, place in the fridge for 15 minutes.
7. Place formed “meatballs” on baking sheet, brushing remaining oil oil on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crisp. You should turn over, or at least rotate the pan, halfway through cooking.
9. Serve with pasta and sauce. Top with more nutritional yeast if desired.