The lentil balls are a boon as well as a quick and delicious main dish, a great alternative to meatballs.
Vegetarian lentil balls are a great alternative to classic meatballs, perfect for those looking for a healthy and low-calorie diet.
These small bites are rich in plant-based proteins, fibers, and essential nutrients, making them an ideal dish for those who want to maintain a healthy weight without giving up taste. In this article, we will explore the benefits of lentils, how to prepare these delicious balls, and some variations to customize them according to your taste.
Lentils are an accessible and versatile superfood, rich in proteins and low in fats. With a high content of iron and folates, they are particularly suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Moreover, lentils are cheap and easy to find, making them an ideal ingredient for any kitchen.
Incorporating lentils into your diet can lead to numerous health benefits. Thanks to their high fiber content, they help maintain regular digestion and control blood sugar levels. Furthermore, lentils are a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
They are prepared in no time and can be fried or baked, and they will be just as good. Trust someone who loves fried food and has also tried them baked.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 20 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 6.3 oz dried lentils
- 1.4 oz Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
- 1 potato (medium)
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 5.3 oz breadcrumbs
- to taste salt
Tools
- 1 PAN
- 1 kitchen mixer
Preparation
To prepare the lentil balls first wash, peel, and cook the potato in plenty of cold water, once cooked set aside and keep the cooking water.
Meanwhile, rinse the lentils under running water and drain them.
Once the potato is cooked, cook the lentils in the same water for the time indicated on the package.
Now cut the potato into pieces and put it in the bowl of your food processor, you can also mash it with the proper tool.
If you use a food processor, add the cooked and drained lentils, grated cheese, salt, and the peeled and chopped garlic clove along with the potato.
Blend until you have a smooth and homogeneous mixture, if it seems too liquid you can add some breadcrumbs to dry it out.
Now form many small balls the size of a walnut by rolling them between slightly wet hands.
As they are ready, place them on parchment paper.
Then beat the eggs in a deep plate and place the breadcrumbs in a bowl, then pass the lentil balls first in the beaten eggs and right after in the breadcrumbs.
If you want a crispier crust, you can repeat the step in the eggs and breadcrumbs, then let them rest for a few minutes.
You are ready to fry the lentil balls, heat plenty of oil for frying in a deep pan and once ready, dip a few balls at a time so as not to lower the oil temperature too much.
If you prefer, you can bake them, placing the parchment paper where you placed them inside a baking tray, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and bake in a hot oven at 392°F for 20 minutes.
Once ready, if fried, drain them on absorbent paper and serve hot at the table and…
ENJOY YOUR MEAL
Advice
Lentil balls can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days in an airtight container. You can freeze the already cooked and cooled lentil balls and then bake them from frozen before eating.
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