Name: Lentil Mushroom Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms (chopped); 1 cup king oyster mushrooms (chopped); 1 large onion (sliced); 1/2 tablespoon oregano; 1 tablespoon basil; 1/2 tablespoon thyme; 4 cloves garlic (chopped); 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or liquid aminos; 1 cup cooked lentils (well drained); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 cup almond flour; 10 tomatoes, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, chopped; 1 rib celery, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 roasted red bell peppers, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon basil; 1/4 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper (to taste)

Why Make This Recipe

Lentil Mushroom Meatballs are a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. They are packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors from the mushrooms and herbs. Whether you follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, these meatballs fit right in. They are versatile enough to serve with pasta, in a sandwich, or simply on their own with a tasty sauce. Cooking at home also gives you the freedom to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.

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How to Make Lentil Mushroom Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms (chopped)
1 cup king oyster mushrooms (chopped)
1 large onion (sliced)
1/2 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon basil
1/2 tablespoon thyme
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
2 tbsps gluten-free soy sauce or liquid aminos
1 cup cooked lentils (well drained)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon oil
10 tomatoes
1 large onion
1 large carrot
1 rib celery
5 cloves garlic
2 roasted red bell peppers
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 handful fresh parsley
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sliced onion. Cook until they turn brown, then turn off the heat.
In a bowl, take the cooked lentils and mash them with a fork. Aim for a clumpy texture rather than a smooth one. This adds character to your lentil balls.
Add the cooked mushrooms, herbs, garlic, and soy sauce (or liquid aminos) to the mashed lentils. Heat everything until warm, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the almond flour, mixing well until all ingredients are combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls and set aside.
For a quick tomato sauce, chop the tomatoes, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and roasted bell peppers. Sauté them in a pot with some oil. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, sugar (if using), fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for a while.

How to Serve Lentil Mushroom Meatballs

Serve the lentil mushroom meatballs with your favorite sauce, such as the quick tomato sauce you prepared. You can also place them on a bed of pasta or serve them in a sub sandwich topped with fresh herbs or lettuce.

How to Store Lentil Mushroom Meatballs

You can store any leftover lentil mushroom meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Lentil Mushroom Meatballs

Make sure to not over-mash the lentils. Keep some texture for a better bite.
If the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more almond flour to help bind it.
Feel free to add your favorite spices or different herbs for a unique flavor.

Variation

You can add grated zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition, or use different types of mushrooms based on what you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I make these lentil mushroom meatballs vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly.

2. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
The meatballs should be firm to the touch and heated through. If baking, around 15-20 minutes at 375°F should do the trick.

3. Can I use canned lentils instead of cooked lentils?
Yes, just make sure to drain and rinse them before using to remove excess sodium.

Enjoy your homemade Lentil Mushroom Meatballs, a healthy and satisfying dish that everyone will love!