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These Lentil Walnut "Meatballs" are a delicious plant-based alternative for topping spaghetti and/or vegetable noodles. Top them with my easy marinara.

Lentil Walnut "Meatballs" with Marinara Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

For the "meatballs"

  • 1 14.5 ounce cans lentils or 1 3/4 cups cooked lentils
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms about 8 ounces
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

  • 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • ½ onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the mushrooms and cook about 10 minutes.
  3. Combine the mushrooms, walnuts, lentils, breadcrumbs, garlic powder and onion powder in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Form into small golf-ball sized meatballs.
  5. Heat olive oil in a pan. Place the meatballs inside and cook, turning often until golden brown and crispy all around.
  6. For the sauce, the onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 15 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

  7. To serve, cook 8-16 ounces of spaghetti, spiralize 2-4 zucchinis, or use a combination of both. Top with the sauce and "meatballs".