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Lentil-Walnut Vegetarian Meatballs

These Lentil-Walnut Vegetarian Meatballs are the perfect meatless meal. Serve them with spaghetti and your favorite tomato sauce for a hearty main.

Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Keyword meatballs
Servings 8 servings
Calories 208 kcal
Author Shelly Westerhausen

Ingredients

  • 1 cups lentils
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 large red onion , diced small
  • 1 celery sticks , chopped small
  • 2 carrots , chopped small
  • 1 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 large egg , lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Place the lentils in a saucepan with 6 cups of water. Let the water come to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft but not falling apart. Remove from heat and drain. Let cool.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and let cook for about 10 minutes (or until they begin to brown). Next, add in the garlic, oregano, and a little bit of salt. Let cook for another minute. Add tomato paste, stir, and cook for 3 more minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and add in walnuts and cooled lentils. Fold in Parmesan, egg, and breadcrumbs.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9x13-inch pan. Using clean hands, roll the mixture into golf ball size balls and place on greased baking sheet. Continue with the rest of the batter.

  6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the meatballs start to brown on top.
  7. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce.

Recipe Notes

  • Make the meatless meatballs smaller if you want to use them as appetizers.
Nutrition Facts
Lentil-Walnut Vegetarian Meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 208 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 22mg7%
Sodium 155mg7%
Potassium 383mg11%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 2695IU54%
Vitamin C 3.6mg4%
Calcium 83mg8%
Iron 2.6mg14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.