Lentils are an excellent resource in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, as they make dishes more filling. This recipe for lentil meatballs It will quickly become one of your favorites. They show the versatility of the legume, which is a powerhouse of fiber and vegetable proteins.
This recipe is simple, requires only five ingredients and 30 minutes. Now, they can be enriched with an endless number of additional vegetables and spices. However, I kept it simple. Once the lentils are cooked, making these meatballs is a simple matter of mix, shape and cook in the pan to then cover with a simple tomato sauce and a handful of fresh thyme. Optionally, if you eat dairy, you can sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
In a food processor, add the cooked lentils with the onion, garlic cloves, basil leaves, salt and pepper. Pulse to mix, but do not puree, leaving a little texture.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding tablespoons of rice flour to the dough to absorb moisture. The dough must be moldable, but it is fragile, it crumbles. With your hands, take portions and gently form each meatball. Around 12 or 13 will come out depending on the size.
Coat with whole wheat flour and arrange on a plate. Cook in a pan with olive oil over medium heat. Brown for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned, shaking the pan or using a wooden spoon to roll the balls so they cook evenly on all sides.
Add the tomato sauce and stir in the pan to coat the meatballs in it. When serving, finish with fresh thyme on the surface.
What to accompany lentil meatballs with
The lentil meatballs They function as the only and main dish. Their flavor is enhanced when complemented with white, brown, basmati or couscous rice. Or even with pasta, a glass of wine and the best of company.
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