Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce

Lentil meatballs with Sicilian tomato sauce, recipe using a skillet and also with the Thermomix.

A valid vegetarian alternative to classic meatballs, but with the same nutritional properties and deliciousness.

In fact, they have nothing to envy, actually, in my opinion, they enhance the flavor.

They are made with pre-cooked or canned lentils that have been drained, but you can also make them with other legumes.

Easy and economical, immersed in tomato sauce, making them even more delightful and never dry.

But now let’s see together how to prepare these lentil meatballs.

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Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • Cost: Very economical
  • Preparation time: 10 Minutes
  • Portions: 4
  • Cooking methods: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: All seasons
338.84 Kcal
calories per serving
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  • Energy 338.84 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 57.90 (g) of which sugars 3.96 (g)
  • Proteins 15.17 (g)
  • Fat 4.54 (g) of which saturated 1.17 (g)of which unsaturated 2.42 (g)
  • Fibers 10.37 (g)
  • Sodium 500.92 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 225 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients

Let’s do the shopping

  • 10 oz cooked lentils (and well drained)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned Sicilian-style, follow my recipe)
  • 1 egg
  • to taste salt
  • to taste rosemary
  • 1 clove garlic
  • to taste sage
  • to taste basil
  • Half onion
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned Sicilian-style)

Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce

Tools

What we need to make the

  • 1 Immersion Blender or the Thermomix
  • 1 Skillet or the Thermomix
  • 1 Tray

Steps

Recipe using a skillet

  • Preparing these lentil meatballs is really very easy and quick.

    With the mixer in a bowl, put the drained lentils, the whole egg,

  • and a little seasoned breadcrumbs and blend with the mixer.

  • Once blended, slowly add the rest of the breadcrumbs until you achieve a decent consistency

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • Form the meatballs and roll them in the remaining breadcrumbs, gently.

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • In a skillet, pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the chopped onion,

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • the whole garlic clove and the herbs. Sauté for a few minutes

    onion and herbs
  • Then add the meatballs and let them brown until golden. Even if the oil is absorbed, do not add more, as the meatballs will not stick.

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • Once the meatballs are browned on all sides, pour in the tomato puree, a pinch of salt,

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • lower the heat and let cook for 10 minutes on low heat.

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • Serve the Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce, hot

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • Put the drained lentils into the bowl, add the eggs and breadcrumbs. Mix for 2 min at speed 5. Gather with the spatula and transfer to a bowl. Clean the bowl.

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce
  • Form the meatballs and place them in the Varoma and tray, and cover

    Varoma meatballs
  • Pour the oil into the bowl and add the onion. Chop for 10 sec at speed 8. Gather with the spatula. Add the herbs and whole garlic clove, and cook for 3 min at 230°F counterclockwise speed 1, with the basket instead of the measuring cup.

    onion
  • Pour the tomato puree, 2 oz of water, and half a teaspoon of salt.

    tomato puree Thermomix
  • Place the lid and the Varoma and cook for 20 min at Varoma temperature, counterclockwise speed spoon.

    varoma
  • Carefully remove the meatballs from the Varoma and place them on a tray, pour the tomato puree and serve.

    Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce

Storage and Variations

Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce

Storage: Lentil Meatballs with Sicilian Tomato Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations: you can replace the lentils with other legumes as desired.

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ritaamordicucina

The cooking blog Rita Amordicucina offers a wide range of recipes, with a particular focus on the cuisine of Northeastern Sicily and Messina. It specializes in fish recipes, pastries, and diet dishes, demonstrating how one can eat deliciously while maintaining a healthy weight. Its motto, "Do what you can with what you have, wherever you are," reflects its desire to teach cooking with limited resources. In addition to the blog, it has participated in television shows and food festivals.

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