Lentil Balls

Elevate your meat-free meals with these savory Lentil Balls—perfectly spiced, hearty, and delightfully versatile. Made with protein-packed brown or green lentils, fresh veggies, and a clever flaxseed mix for binding, these plant-based bites are both nutritious and satisfying. Lightly crisped in the oven with a touch of olive oil, these golden lentil balls are bursting with flavor from earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and the umami richness of soy sauce or tamari. They’re easy to make, baked, not fried, and ready in just an hour, making them an ideal option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce, toss them into pasta, or layer them in a wrap for a wholesome and delicious vegetarian feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown or green lentils
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Carrot, finely grated
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Ground flaxseed
• 5 tablespoons Water for flaxseed mixture
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 as needed for baking Cooking spray or additional olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water. Add them to a pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water and let them cool slightly.

Step 2

While the lentils cook, prepare the flaxseed mixture by combining the ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Mix well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.

Step 3

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated carrot, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher until about 75% of the lentils are mashed, leaving some for texture.

Step 5

Add the cooked onion, garlic, and carrot mixture to the bowl with the lentils. Stir in the breadcrumbs, flaxseed mixture, soy sauce, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and a sticky dough forms. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the lentil mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.

Step 8

Lightly spray the lentil balls with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them to help them crisp up.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the lentil balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or in a salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1375.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1099.2

Total Fat 42.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4958.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 43.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 297.4mg	0%
Iron 16.6mg	0%
Potassium 1677.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 52.1%