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BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs (No Mock Meats!) – Vegan With Curves

In the realm of plant-based cuisine, finding satisfying alternatives to beloved comfort foods can sometimes pose a challenge. However, with a little creativity and the right ingredients, it becomes possible to whip up dishes that not only captivate the palate but also nourish the body. One delightful example is BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs, a recipe that perfectly balances flavour, texture, and wholesome nutrition—sans any mock meats.

The Joy of Lentils

Lentils are a true powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, they serve as an excellent foundation for creating hearty dishes that keep you feeling full and satisfied. Unlike processed meat alternatives, lentils are a natural source of goodness, making them an ideal star ingredient in vegan cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs is relatively straightforward, requiring common pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lentil Meatballs:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed)
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (wholemeal for extra nutrition)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (mixed with 6 tablespoons water, left to thicken for 10 minutes)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

1. Cook the lentils: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a frying pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, ground flaxseed mixture, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tad more breadcrumbs until it reaches a workable consistency.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

1. Shape the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a lined baking tray.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the lentil meatballs for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they’re evenly browned.

Step 5: Prepare the BBQ Sauce

1. Make the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully toss them with the BBQ sauce until they are well-coated.

2. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve your BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs alongside a crisp salad, in a wholemeal wrap, or atop a bed of fluffy quinoa. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

BBQ Vegan Lentil Meatballs are not just a great alternative to traditional meatballs; they embody the essence of vegan cooking by using whole, natural ingredients that are both filling and flavourful. Perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even meal prep, this recipe showcases the versatility of lentils and proves that you can enjoy rich and satisfying dishes without relying on mock meats. Enjoy creating your own twist on this delicious recipe, and revel in the deliciousness that vegan cooking has to offer!

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