Looking for a deliciously satisfying vegetarian dish that will impress even the most dedicated meat lovers? Dive into the world of flavor with these Lentil and Mushroom Meatballs! Packed with protein and bursting with savory goodness, these meatballs are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them over pasta, in a sub, or as a tasty appetizer, they are sure to steal the show at your next meal. Get ready to elevate your dinner game and discover a hearty recipe that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, cooked
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the lentils by cooking them in water until tender and fully cooked. Drain and let cool completely to room temperature.
- Clean and finely chop mushrooms using a sharp knife, ensuring they are uniformly minced to create a consistent texture in the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix ingredients thoroughly.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix well using a fork or your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into consistent-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove from oven when meatballs are golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a standalone appetizer. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Cook Lentils Perfectly: Ensure your lentils are cooked until tender but not mushy; this will help maintain the right texture in your meatballs.
- Mushroom Preparation: Finely chop the mushrooms to ensure they blend well with the lentils, giving your meatballs a uniform texture and enhancing flavor.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the 10-minute resting period after mixing the ingredients. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, helping the meatballs hold together during baking.
- Uniform Size: For even cooking, make sure your meatballs are uniform in size, about
- 5 inches in diameter. This will ensure they bake evenly and have a perfect golden-brown finish.
- Baking Tips: Turn the meatballs halfway through the baking time to achieve a beautifully browned exterior all around.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Try serving them with marinara sauce, on a bed of spaghetti, or even in a warm pita with tzatziki for a delightful twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 134kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 52mg
