BBQ Lentil Balls [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

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These irresistible BBQ lentil balls are made out of simple plant-based ingredients like lentils, rice, mushrooms, and BBQ sauce. It makes for a vegan protein packed dish that is ideal for post-workout dinners. If you want to share the love, bring them as a yummy, savory appetizer to events!

BBQ Lentil Balls [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Calories

455

Serves

Cook Time

Ingredients

1/2 cup of brown basmati rice
1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
2 tablespoon of olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons of water
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cups of chopped mushrooms
15-ounce can of lentils (about 2 cups of cooked lentils)
1/8 cup of chopped cilantro (optional)
1/2 teaspoon of pink Himalayan sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 cup of gluten-free bread crumbs
3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, divided
2 tablespoons of vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke

Preparation

Cook brown rice according to directions and set aside.
Next you are going to make your flax egg. Take a small bowl, add flax seed, water, and mix well. Set aside.
Next add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large pan and heat over medium high heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables are fully translucent. Once cooked turn off heat and set aside.
Open your can of lentils and pour into a colander. Rinse excess sodium off. Add to food processor.
Add cooked veggies, cooked rice, cilantro, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke to food processor. Blend in your food processor fully until mixture is completely combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Take mixture and add to a bowl. If the mixture is to wet, put in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so that it can stiffen up.
Start to form your meat balls placing each one on a pan medium-sized pan. Place in the refrigerator for an hour so to help balls stay firm. The won’t fall apart when cooked the more set they are.
Once fully set, remove from refrigerator, grab a pan, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once oil is hot place each ball in hot oil pan and heat all the way through for about 2 minutes on each side until the lentil balls form a caramelized coating on each side. Do not leave unattended.
Add 2 tablespoon of BBQ sauce to pan and turn down heat. Make sure you coat every lentil ball and simmer for a 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dish.

Nutrional Information

Notes

Make sure you are using a big enough food processor at least one that can hold 8 cups.

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AUTHOR & RECIPE DETAILS

Gina Marie is a food photographer who loves fitness and loves to create vegan recipes. She was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) which is a rare condition where the fetus is born with a natural amputation due to the umbilical cord being wrapped to tight around the fetus limbs. Gina focuses on balancing healthy eating and healthy body image.