If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, look no further than this delicious recipe for vegetarian meatballs! Made with nutritious lentils, mushrooms, and flavorful Italian seasoning, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food while providing you with plenty of nutrients to help you feel great.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils (or 2 1/2 cups cooked)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion, about 1 cup chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, tough part of stems removed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook lentils according to package instructions, and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and the mushroom juices have evaporated. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion and mushroom mixture, panko breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons of salt, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve your vegetarian meatballs with your favorite sauce or alongside pasta, vegetables, or salad.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious vegetarian meatballs!
