Name: Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked green lentils, drained and mashed; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large egg; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste

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Introduction

These baked Greek lentil meatballs are a delicious and healthy vegetarian option that’s full of Mediterranean flavors. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, they make a perfect light meal or appetizer. Easy to prepare and bake, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

The image shows five round, golden-brown fried balls with a slightly crispy texture placed on a white plate. Four whole balls are arranged in a cluster, and one ball is cut in half in the front, revealing a soft, moist, and spiced filling with green herbs mixed in. The balls are sprinkled with fresh green herb leaves on top, and they sit in a shallow layer of light golden sauce that has small herb pieces scattered around. A slice of bright yellow lemon is placed at the back on the plate, next to a dollop of white sauce with herb bits. The white plate is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the rich colors of the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups cooked green lentils, drained and mashed
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large egg

Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed lentils, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and egg. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by stirring together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve the warm lentil meatballs with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg made from 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water.
Prepare the tzatziki a day in advance to enhance its flavors.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Reheat the meatballs gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Keep the tzatziki chilled and consume within 2 days for the best taste.

How to Serve

A close-up view of several round falafel balls with a crispy, golden-brown outer layer flecked with green herbs, resting on a smooth, creamy white sauce with green herb bits swirled around them on a white plate. One falafel is cut in half, showing a soft and crumbly inside with a yellowish-beige color mixed with green herbs. The sauce pools around the falafels, adding a fresh contrast to their crunchy texture, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

Yes, while green lentils hold their shape well, brown or black lentils can also be used. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.

Is it possible to freeze the lentil meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked meatballs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.