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Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 59 reviews

These Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy and flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with protein-rich brown lentils and seasoned with fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon juice, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and tender interior. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, this dish offers a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 cup Brown Lentils (Can substitute with green lentils)
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Try crushed whole grain crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with cilantro)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • Salt and Spices (Adjust to taste)

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Can substitute with plain dairy-free yogurt)
  • ½ cup Cucumber (Finely chopped)
  • 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • Salt (To taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook Lentils: Rinse 1 cup of brown lentils under cold water thoroughly. Place them in a pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and allow lentils to cool completely.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, and your preferred spices. Mix well until the mixture holds together and is cohesive enough to form into meatballs.
  3. Preheat Oven & Shape Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take portions of the lentil mixture and roll into golf-ball-sized meatballs. Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
  5. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ½ cup finely chopped cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt to taste. Stir well until you get a smooth sauce.
  6. Serve: Once the lentil meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve warm with the prepared tzatziki sauce either as a dipping sauce or drizzled over the top. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Greek-inspired meal!

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • You can substitute cilantro for parsley if preferred.
  • If you want to make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
  • Adjust spices according to your taste preferences; adding cumin or smoked paprika can add a deeper flavor.
  • The meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.

Keywords: Greek lentil meatballs, baked lentil meatballs, vegetarian meatballs, tzatziki sauce, healthy Mediterranean recipe, plant-based meatballs, easy lentil recipe

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/baked-greek-lentil-meatballs-with-tzatziki-recipe/