Crispy Lentil Meatballs

Course: Entrees
Difficulty: Moderate
Pulse Type: Lentils
Specialty Diet: Gluten Free
Occasion: Healthy Comfort Foods
Category: How to Blend Pulses into Your Favorite Meals so They Last All Week
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils dried
  • 1 lb. ground beef lean; or ground turkey
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 bunch parsley fresh; finely chopped (or 2 tbsp dried)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse lentils.
  2. Bring to boil in 2 cups water, reduce heat, simmer for 35–40 minutes or until soft.
  3. Strain off excess water.
  4. Mix ground meat, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
  5. In a separate bowl, mash cooked lentils with a fork.
  6. Add eggs, continue mashing until well mixed.
  7. Combine lentil and egg puree into beef mixture.
  8. Add parsley. Mix well.
  9. Form meatballs using ¼ cup of mixture and roll into balls. About 1 inch in diameter.
  10. Heat pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons cooking oil.
  11. Add meatballs to hot pan. Allow meatballs to brown, and then rotate and repeat until all sides are golden, crispy brown (160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey).
  12. Serve over pasta or veggies.