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Healthy Lentil Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Venelina Dove M.D.
These baked Lentil Meatballs are tossed in a simple tomato sauce to create this delicious and comforting plant-based meal. These meat-free lentil balls are healthy, oil-free, packed with protein, and easy to make.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine European
Servings 2 Servings

Ingredients
 
 

Lentil Meatballs

Tomato Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Place the lentils in a pot with plenty of water and boil for 15 mins. (Try not to overcook it.)
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F ( 200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Put the onion in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Then, add the drained cooked lentils, oats, and seasoning. Blend just for several mins until combined, but not pureed. I love to leave a little texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The mixture should be soft but not very sticky.
  • Shape the mixture into balls with your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 mins.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Put the chopped onion, garlic, and oregano in a pot with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cook for 2 mins.
  • Then, add the tomato sauce and the other ingredients. Let simmer for 5-10 mins until it thickens.
  • Place the lentil meatballs into the sauce and serve them right away. You can also enjoy them over mashed potatoes or cooked rice.

Notes

  • You can add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the food processor to chop the lentil mixture easier.
  • For the sauce, you can also use fresh tomatoes. Just chop or puree them and cook for longer until the sauce thickens enough.
  • To make these lentil meatballs gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
  • Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator separately or the balls will become mushy.