Hearty Vegan BBQ Lentil Meatballs from Simple Ingredients 💪
Ingredients:
1 cup (190g) Brown or Green Lentils, rinsed
2.5 cups (600ml) Water or Vegetable Broth
1 tablespoon (15ml) Olive Oil
1/2 cup (75g) Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 cup (60g) Rolled Oats
1/2 cup (60g) Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (60ml) BBQ Sauce (ensure vegan) + more for coating
1 tablespoon (15g) Nutritional Yeast (optional)
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Cook Lentils: Combine rinsed lentils and water/broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid. Let cool slightly.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onion until soft (5-7 mins). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Combine Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed onion/garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, nutritional yeast (if using), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash and Mix: Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher until about half combined but still chunky. Mix well. Add more breadcrumbs if too wet, or a splash of broth if too dry.
5. Form and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls. Place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Coat and Finish Baking: Remove from oven. Brush the meatballs generously with more BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until firm and glazed.
7. Serve: Serve hot as an appetizer, in sliders, or with your favorite sides.
Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes | Total Time: 65-75 minutes | Calories per Serving: Approx. 280-340 (for 4-5 meatballs) | Number of Servings: 4 (makes 16-20)
#BBQMeatballs #LentilMeatballs #VeganBBQ #PlantBasedRecipes #VeganAppetizer #EasyVegan #HealthyComfortFood #MeatlessMonday #VeganFood #LentilRecipe