Hearty Vegan Meatballs

Why Make This Recipe

This Delicious Vegan Meatballs Recipe gives a plant-based twist to a comfort food classic. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking to enjoy a healthier meal, these meatballs are flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. They are perfect for a cozy dinner, a casual gathering, or even as an appetizer for a party. Plus, they pack in protein and nutrients from lentils and chickpeas, making them a great option for anyone!

How to Make Delicious Vegan Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for sautéing)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Optional: 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: red pepper flakes (to taste)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 10 minutes to create a flax egg.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, or until they are translucent and fragrant.
3. In a food processor, add the cooked lentils, chickpeas, rolled oats, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, soy sauce, olive oil, sautéed onions and garlic, herbs, and spices. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still has some texture.
4. Add the flax egg to the food processor and pulse again to incorporate. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more oats; if too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth.
5. Use your hands or a scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. To bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm.
7. To pan-fry: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them to brown all sides evenly.
8. Let the meatballs rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help them firm up and enhance the flavor.
9. Serve with spaghetti and sauce, in subs, with gravy, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

How to Serve Delicious Vegan Meatballs

These meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways. They are great on top of spaghetti with marinara sauce or served in a sub roll with your favorite toppings. You can also serve them with gravy, over rice, or as a tasty appetizer with a dipping sauce like BBQ or vegan ranch.

How to Store Delicious Vegan Meatballs

To store leftover meatballs, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last for about 3 months. To reheat, just bake in the oven or pan-fry until warmed through.

Tips to Make Delicious Vegan Meatballs

• For added flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices according to your taste.
• You can mix in veggies like grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Make a big batch and freeze them for quick meals later.

Variation

If you want a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the mixture. You can also swap out the chickpeas for black beans or replace the lentils with quinoa for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned lentils or chickpeas?
   Yes, canned lentils and chickpeas work great! Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using.

2. Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying?
   Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Just follow the baking directions for a crisp texture.

3. What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
   If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use grated vegan cheese, but the flavor will change slightly.

Delicious Vegan Meatballs

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• Author: ikramnihad
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A plant-based twist on classic meatballs, flavorful and easy to make, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for sautéing)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Optional: 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: red pepper flakes (to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 10 minutes to create a flax egg.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, or until they are translucent and fragrant.
3. In a food processor, add the cooked lentils, chickpeas, rolled oats, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, soy sauce, olive oil, sautéed onions and garlic, herbs, and spices. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still has some texture.
4. Add the flax egg to the food processor and pulse again to incorporate. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more oats; if too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth.
5. Use your hands or a scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake meatballs for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm.
7. Alternatively, heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides evenly.
8. Let the meatballs rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Experiment with different herbs and spices for added flavor. You can also mix in veggies for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking, Pan-frying
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan meatballs, plant-based, healthy recipe, comfort food, lentils, chickpeas