Easy Red Lentil Meatballs

Step 1

Add 5 cups of water to a large pot. Bring to boil over high heat. Add the lentils and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5-10 minutes until almost completely soft.

Step 2

Drain and rinse under cold water and wipe out the pot and return the clean pot to the stove (you will need it for the cauliflower).

Step 3

Fill the pot back up with water and add the cauliflower florets. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and cook for 20-25 minutes until soft. Drain and return the cauliflower to the pot and set aside.

Step 4

As you cook the lentils, prepare the meatball spices. In a bowl, combine the minced shallot, parsley, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin seeds, crushed red pepper and Aleppo pepper flakes (if using), panko, and vegan mayonnaise. Use a spoon to combine all of the ingredients. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Add the rinsed lentils to the bowl and use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the mixture until it is doughy. It shouldn't be too wet or too crumbly. If it seems too wet, add a bit more panko. If it's too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or a little oil. Taste and season again with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a meatball and continue on with the rest of the mixture until all of the meatballs are formed.

Step 7

Heat oil in wide pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You want to turn very gently...i usually use the edge of my tongs to release the meatball and turn it gently. Continue cooking until all the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Keep the meatballs warm in the oven at 200ºF as you fry the rest of them.

Step 8

Note, you may need to add more oil as you cook the meatballs. Add it in 1 teaspoon ingredients if the pan becomes too dry.

Step 9

Turn the heat on the cauliflower florets to low. Add the vegan yogurt, oat milk, turmeric, garlic powder, and paprika and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Using an immersion blender, blend until completely pureed and creamy. Note: If you don't have an immersion blender, just use your spoon to completely combine and mash the cauliflower a bit. It will be a bit chunky, but still delicious!

Step 10

Divide the puree between plates and arrange the meatballs on top. Garnish with more parsley and red pepper flakes, if you like. Enjoy!