Enjoy these nutritious lentil balls packed with plant protein, fiber, and flavor—perfect for a healthy, guilt-free snack.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with plant-based protein—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20–25 minutes
Serves: 4
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free if desired)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil for frying or baking
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Mixture
- In a bowl, mash cooked lentils lightly with a fork.
- Add breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it forms a firm mixture.
2️⃣ Shape the Balls
- With your hands, shape the mixture into small balls (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter).
3️⃣ Cook the Lentil Balls
Option 1 – Pan-Fry:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the lentil balls for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Option 2 – Bake:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Place lentil balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
4️⃣ Serve
- Serve warm with vegan dipping sauce, tomato sauce, or in a sandwich wrap.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Add grated carrots or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
🌿 Benefits of Vegan Lentil Balls
Firstly, lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which helps support muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
Secondly, they are rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
Moreover, lentils contain essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support energy levels, heart health, and overall well-being.
In addition, using plant-based ingredients instead of meat or dairy makes these lentil balls lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, benefiting heart health.
Furthermore, this dish is versatile and can be customized with herbs, spices, or vegetables, increasing antioxidants and micronutrients.
As a result, lentil balls make a nutritious, satisfying snack, appetizer, or main dish that fits perfectly into a balanced plant-based diet.
Finally, they are easy to prepare, making them a healthy, convenient, and delicious option for everyday meals.
