Lentil Meatballs
Try this Lentil Meatballs recipe.
Try this Lentil Meatballs recipe.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh italian parsley
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup dried green brown, or french lentils (i used green french lentils)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth plus additional as needed
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats (d
- prepared whole wheat pasta noodles zucchini noodles, or sweet potato noodles
- good-quality red pasta sauce (store bought or home
- Carbohydrate 0.904271041391259 g
- Cholesterol 11.75 mg
- Fat 0.428066874785467 g
- Fiber 0.25230902305321 g
- Protein 0.471947222162611 g
- Saturated Fat 0.108501249968866 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1 1/2 inch) meatballs, 6 serving (11g)
- Sodium 43.0463916655189 mg
- Sugar 0.651962018338049 g
- Trans Fat 0.056988576380321 g
- Calories 9 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse the lentils: Measure the lentils into a colander or strainer. Pick over and remove any shriveled lentils or small pieces of rock or other debris. Rinse well under cool water. Drain.
- Cook the lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to a medium saucepan with the vegetable broth. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium high, then reduce the heat to a very low simmer. There should be a few small bubbles, and the lentils should be barely moving. Let gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not dry out—you want the lentils to always be just barely covered with liquid. If the lentils are not yet tender but the liquid has been absorbed, add more water and continue to cook. Drain off any excess liquid and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook until onion is translucent and lightly brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the carrots and cook for another 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 additional minute.
- Place the oats and parsley in the bottom of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, then pulse a few times to begin breaking up the oats. Add the cooked lentils, onion mixture, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times to start combining the mixture, then crack in the egg. Pulse a few more times until the mixture is combined but the lentils still have some texture.
- Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then coat the paper with nonstick spray.
- Roll the lentil mixture into balls that are roughly 1 1/2 inches across, about the size of a golf ball. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet and mist the tops with nonstick spray.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then turn, mist again with nonstick spray, and continue baking 8 to 10 additional minutes, until the meatballs are browned and lightly crisp.
- Serve warm with pasta or vegetable noodles and your desired sauce.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Lentil Meatballs and a Busy Mom's Life
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early mornings, school runs, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for myself, let alone anything creative, often feels impossible. Yet, amidst this chaotic ballet of motherhood and career, I've discovered a surprising source of solace and even joy: cooking. Specifically, I've fallen head over heels for experimenting with new recipes, especially those that are healthy, delicious, and, most importantly, quick to prepare.
This week's culinary adventure led me to a recipe that has become a new family favorite: lentil meatballs. I'll admit, the idea of lentil meatballs initially seemed a bit… unconventional. I'm more of a 'comfort food' kind of gal, usually gravitating towards classic pasta dishes or simple roast chicken. But intrigued by the promise of a flavorful, plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs, I decided to give it a try. The result? A revelation! These lentil meatballs are incredibly versatile, adaptable to various tastes, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a hectic weeknight.
What makes this recipe so special? It's the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The ingredients are common pantry staples, easily sourced from any grocery store. The preparation is straightforward and doesn't require any specialized culinary skills. Plus, the end result is a dish that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying. The lentils provide a hearty texture and subtle earthy flavor, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the carrots and the aromatic herbs. The use of oats adds a satisfying 'meatball-like' consistency without any meat, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Beyond the recipe itself, this cooking experience reminded me of something incredibly important: the power of slowing down. In our fast-paced lives, we often rush through tasks, forgetting to savor the moment. Preparing these lentil meatballs, however, was a welcome respite. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the gentle simmering of the lentils, the satisfying thud of the food processor – it was all meditative, a chance to clear my head and connect with something grounding and creative. It was a tiny act of self-care, woven into the fabric of a busy day.
And the best part? My family devoured them! My kids, notoriously picky eaters, gobbled up these lentil meatballs without complaint, a testament to their deliciousness. We served ours over zucchini noodles with a simple tomato sauce, but the possibilities are truly endless. You can experiment with different sauces, serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, or add them to salads for extra protein.
More than just a meal, these lentil meatballs represent a journey of self-discovery. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, we can find moments of peace, creativity, and connection through simple pleasures, such as cooking a nourishing and delicious meal for our loved ones.
So, my friends, embrace the simplicity, embrace the unexpected. Try out this recipe and rediscover the joy of cooking. Even if you're a busy mom, a traveler always on the go, a businesswoman juggling multiple projects, a fitness model focused on clean eating, or just a regular woman navigating the everyday, you'll find that creating something delicious and nourishing can be a surprisingly rewarding experience. It's a moment to breathe, to create, and to connect with yourself and your loved ones – one delicious lentil meatball at a time.
