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Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

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4 from 55 reviews

These Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs are a delicious and healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, packed with protein-rich lentils and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection until golden and served with a creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe offers a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked brown lentils (can use canned)
  • 1/2 red onion – finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (gluten free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 cup shredded cucumber
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Pinch salt
  • Pinch black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove – minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill

Optional Sides

  • Vegetables of choice
  • Cooked grain of choice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the lentil meatballs.
  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: Place all the meatball ingredients—cooked lentils, finely chopped red onion, bread crumbs, fresh mint and parsley, tomato paste, egg, seasonings, soy sauce, and lemon juice—into a food processor. Pulse partially to combine the ingredients while leaving some texture; do not puree completely.
  3. Form and Bake Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and firm.
  4. Make Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them warm with the homemade tzatziki sauce alongside your choice of vegetables and cooked grains for a wholesome meal.

Notes

  • You can use canned lentils for convenience; just be sure to drain and rinse them well.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free ones.
  • If you prefer a vegan option, omit the egg and use a flax egg or a binding substitute.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper.
  • These meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for ease on busy days.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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