Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked green or brown lentils
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or oregano, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and water squeezed out
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, add cooked lentils, red onion, garlic, oats or breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, parsley, dill or oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until combined but still textured, not completely smooth.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Brush or spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm.
- Meanwhile, mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Let meatballs cool slightly before serving with tzatziki.
Notes
- Add crumbled feta to the meatball mixture for extra richness.
- Use a flax egg and dairy-free yogurt to make the recipe vegan.
- Freeze baked meatballs and reheat in the oven.
- Serve in pita, with rice, salad, or as part of a mezze platter.
- Add chili flakes or cayenne for more spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4-5 meatballs + tzatziki)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg