Are you looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian alternative to meatballs? Look no further than this veggie meatball recipe! These meatballs are packed with flavor and nutrition, and they're easy to make too. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, these meatballs are a great choice.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these veggie meatballs: - 1 cup cooked brown rice - 1 cup cooked lentils - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Brown Rice
Start by cooking 1 cup of brown rice according to the package instructions. Set aside and let it cool.
Lentils
Cook 1 cup of lentils in a pot of boiling water until tender, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Drain the lentils and set them aside.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Grate 1/2 a cup of Parmesan cheese with a grater.
Breadcrumbs
You can either buy pre-made breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting bread and then blending it in a food processor.
Onion
Chop 1/2 cup of onion into small pieces.
Garlic
Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Egg
Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk it together.
Parsley
Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley.
Oregano
Measure 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Salt and Pepper
Measure 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to start making the veggie meatballs. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, cooked lentils, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, whisked egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined. 3. Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. 4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them until they're browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. 5. Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're cooked through and crispy on the outside. 7. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
These veggie meatballs are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutrition. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for one serving of these meatballs (which is about 6 meatballs): - Calories: 213 - Fat: 7g - Saturated Fat: 2g - Cholesterol: 45mg - Sodium: 369mg - Carbohydrates: 26g - Fiber: 7g - Sugar: 2g - Protein: 11g These veggie meatballs are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They're also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for anyone looking to eat healthier. Serve them with your favorite pasta or on their own as a tasty snack.