Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 5
Protein-packed and delicious plant-based meatballs. These BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs are an amazing alternative to traditional meatballs. Wonderful and super easy to throw together!
Ingredients
½ medium onion, chopped
2 tsp olive oil, divided
2 c. cooked lentils, divided
1 c. cooked brown rice
2 c sliced mushrooms (16-oz. package)
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
½ c. breadcrumbs
⅔ c. instant oats
2 tbsp vegan Worcestershire
½ tsp liquid smoke
¼ c. vegan BBQ sauce
½ – 1 c. extra Vegan BBQ Sauce
½ tsp sea salt
a handful of parsley and cilantro
How to make BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs
Step 1: Into a large pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Cook until the veggies are translucent. Set aside when done.
Step 2: Into a food processor, place half of the lentils. Add the cooked mushrooms and onions. Blend until just combined and you have a wet and sticky mixture.
Step 3: Into a large mixing bowl, transfer the mixture. Add the remaining lentils along with the cooked rice, sea salt, garlic powder, basil, instant oats, bread crumbs, parsley, cilantro, vegan Worcestershire, bbq sauce, and liquid smoke. Mix well until completely blended.
FOR PAN FRYING:
Shape the lentil balls and place them in a bowl. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch cast iron pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the balls once the oil is hot and cook for about 2 minutes per side until the balls are caramelized. Then, add a half cup to 1 cup of Vegan BBQ sauce. Decrease the heat. Evenly coat the lentil balls and let everything simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes. When done, take the pan off the heat and allow the meatballs to cool for about 2 minutes. Then, enjoy it with your preferred sides or as a delicious appetizer.
TO BAKE:
Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F. On a pan lined with parchment paper, place the lentil balls and brush with 1 tsp oil and more barbecue sauce. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through baking. If desired, brush the meatballs with an extra layer of BBQ sauce. Remove from the oven when done, and let the meatballs cool before serving with your preferred sides or as an amazing appetizer.
Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving (4 lentil meatballs), Calories 305, Calories from Fat 45, Fat 5g8%, Saturated Fat 1g6%, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Sodium 779mg34%, Potassium 533mg15%, Carbohydrates 54g18%, Fiber 8g33%, Sugar 9g10%, Protein 15g30%, Vitamin A 600IU12%, Vitamin C 1mg1%, Calcium 52mg5%, Iron 1mg6%
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