Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings:
- Makes approximately 20 meatballs
- Serves 4
These Savory Vegan Meatballs are perfect for any meal, whether served with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer. Made with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and spices, they’re both hearty and flavorful. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delicious and versatile dish!
Ingredients:
For the Vegan Meatballs:
- 1 cup of cooked green or brown lentils
- 1 cup of mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing)
For Serving:
- Your favorite pasta or sub rolls
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and most of the moisture has evaporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, chopped parsley, flax egg, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Form the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are firm and golden brown, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the vegan meatballs hot with your favorite pasta or in sub rolls.
- Top with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari to the meatball mixture for a deeper flavor.
- Different Grains: Substitute lentils with cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a different texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for some heat.
These Savory Vegan Meatballs are a fantastic addition to any meal, offering a hearty and delicious plant-based alternative. Enjoy them with your favorite pasta, in a sub, or as a tasty appetizer. Happy cooking!
