If you used to love spaghetti and meatballs pre- going vegan or just want to try a non-meat alternative these vegan meatballs made with walnuts and brown lentils will be your new go-to. They are packed with flavour,and are incredibly versatile. They can be served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a snack.
This trio of ingredients is a match made in culinary heaven. Here’s why:
- Brown Lentils: They are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fibre, making them the perfect foundation for vegan meatballs. They also help to bind the meatballs together.
- Walnuts: These add a rich, nutty flavour and crunch. They provide healthy fats and contribute to the meaty texture.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add depth and savory richness to the meatballs.
Together, these ingredients create a vegan meatball that’s not only delicious but also full of nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 400g brown mushrooms, sliced (2 small punnets)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 can brown lentils drained
- 1 flax ‘egg’ (see notes)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup whole oats
- 1 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat oil in pan over a medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the salt, fennel seeds, cumin and smoked paprika to pan, stir.
- Add sliced brown mushrooms and soy sauce. Stir and cook on a medium heat for around 8-10mins until mushrooms are soft.
- In a food processor, add the onion/mushroom mixture, walnuts, brown lentils, flax ‘egg’ panko breadcrumbs, whole oats and tomato paste. Mix in blender just until a dough forms.
- Take the meatballs mixture and form into 2inch balls.
- Heat oil in pan and add around 8-10 balls as a time to pan. Shallow fry on medium heat, turning balls over as they are cooking. When golden brown on outside remove and keep aside until all balls are cooked.
- Your meatballs are now ready to be used in any recipe you choose! For a simple tomato sauce saute chopped onions and minced garlic inpot, add 1-2 cans of chopped or diced tomatoes. Cook for around 10mins and then add meatballs as shown in video below.
Video
Tried this recipe?Mention @thecozyvegankitchen or tag #thecozyvegankitchen!
Notes
u003cliu003eTo make a flax ‘egg’: Add 1 tablespoons flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons water to a small dish and stir. Let rest for 5 minutes to thicken. Can be used in recipes in place of 1 egg. u003c/liu003e
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