Indulge in the savory delight of Fresh Herb Lentil tomato Balls with Homemade Tomato Sauce, a flavorful vegan dish that’s both satisfying and eco-friendly. These lentil tomato balls are made from protein-packed lentils, rolled with an aromatic blend of fresh herbs and spices. Served with a zesty, rich tomato sauce and garnished with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for an added crunch, this meal is a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
The lentil tomato balls are seasoned with fresh parsley, cilantro, and oregano, giving them a vibrant taste. Baked to perfection, they achieve a crispy exterior with a tender, moist interior. The homemade tomato sauce is a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices, simmered to a rich consistency.
This recipe is not only a delicious option for lunch or dinner, but it’s also easy to prepare, requiring just a little over an hour from start to finish. Pair the lentil tomato balls and sauce with your favorite grain, like quinoa or rice, for a complete meal that’s both wholesome and nourishing.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients for the lentil tomato balls :
For the lentil balls:
- 1 ½ cups cooked lentils (brown or green)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the garnish:
- Sesame seeds, to sprinkle
Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Lentil Balls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and stir until well combined.
- Shape the Lentil Balls: Roll the lentil mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake the Lentil Balls: Bake the lentil balls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve the baked lentil balls with a generous amount of tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added crunch.
Enjoy your Fresh Herb Lentil Balls with Homemade Tomato Sauce and Sesame Seeds for a delicious, eco-friendly, and satisfying vegan meal!
