Lentil meatballs with garlic

Lentil meatballs with garlic – a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for fasting days or any occasion when you want to enjoy a dish full of plant-based proteins. These meatballs are easy to prepare, and their rich flavor will surely impress family and friends. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:
- 250 g lentils (preferably green or brown lentils)
- 1 slice of bread (about 50 g, preferably whole grain)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preparing the lentils: Start by selecting the lentils, removing any impurities or stones. Rinse the lentils under cold water. Place the lentils in a bowl and cover with warm water, letting them soak for 2 hours. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and achieve a finer texture.

2. Boiling the lentils: After soaking, drain the water and place the lentils in a pot. Add cold water so that they are covered by about 2-3 cm of water. Add a whole onion and the chopped vegetables (carrot and parsley root). Boil over medium heat for 30 minutes or until the lentils become soft. Towards the end of boiling, add salt to taste.

3. Preparing the meatball mixture: After boiling, drain the lentils and remove the onion and vegetables. Use a meat grinder or blender to turn the lentils into a fine paste. In a large bowl, mix the lentil paste with a slice of bread soaked in water and squeezed, and the sautéed onion and garlic in a little oil. The garlic adds a flavorful taste, but if you prefer a subtler note, you can reduce the amount.

4. Seasoning: Add the puree obtained from the vegetables, flour, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Mix the composition well until it becomes homogeneous. If it is too soft, you can add a little more flour to thicken it.

5. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form meatballs of the desired size. It is recommended to coat them in flour and then in breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy crust when frying.

6. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the meatballs on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even frying.

7. Serving: The lentil meatballs with garlic can be served warm, as an appetizer, alongside a fresh salad or with garlic yogurt sauce. They are also great for sandwiches or as a filling for pita.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with various spices, adding cumin or sweet paprika for extra flavor.
- For a vegan version, ensure that the bread used does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
- If you don't have time to boil lentils, you can use canned lentils, but make sure to rinse them well before use.

These lentil meatballs are not only a healthy choice but also a versatile option for your meals. Enjoy them with confidence and joy!

 Ingredients: 250 g lentils, 1 slice of bread, 1 onion, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of flour, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, 1 carrot, garlic, 1 parsley root, greens

 Tags:  food with vegetables lentil meatballs vegetable meatballs