Spaghetti and Lentil Balls
Try this Spaghetti and Lentil Balls recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Spaghetti and Lentil Balls recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 and 1/2 cups cooked green lentils (equal to one st drained well)
- 1 8- oz. package house foods tofu shirataki spaghetti
- about 1 cup tomato-based pasta sauce of choice (i
- (optional) hemp parmesan to serve
- Carbohydrate 22.9169591691932 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 26.5192158545287 g
- Fiber 8.37975843822887 g
- Protein 17.1238433415804 g
- Saturated Fat 1.69936966790953 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (184g)
- Sodium 34.2041666628377 mg
- Sugar 14.5372007309643 g
- Trans Fat 2.59901475195631 g
- Calories 366 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray the parchment paper with oil.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until both are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 60 seconds, until fragrant.
- Use a spatula to transfer the vegetable mixture, including any residual oil, into a food processor. Add the cooked lentils, pepper, oregano, nutritional yeast, and tomato paste, and pulse to combine. Finally, add the walnuts and continue to pulse until the walnuts are crumbled. Add other seasoning to the mixture to taste. (If you did not use canned lentils, you will probably need to add salt).
- The mixture will be fairly soft, but form it into small lentil balls as best you can, placing them on the baking sheet with plenty of space between them.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. If the lentil balls are firm enough, carefully flip them over after 25 to 30 minutes before continuing baking. Let the lentil balls cool for 5 to 10 minutes before gently removing them from the sheet with the help of a spatula.
- Meanwhile, drain the package of tofu shirataki, and rinse the noodles. Either microwave the noodles for 1 minutes, or boil them for 3 minutes. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut the noodles to a shorter length for eating (half is fine).
- In a small sauce pan with no oil or liquid, cook the noodles over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes, stirring them frequently. You will see the noodles releasing steam, and want them to end up dry but still supple.
- Add your tomato sauce, stir, and bring it to a steady simmer to heat the sauce. Reduce the heat to low to keep the spaghetti warm while you wait for the lentil balls to be done.
- Serve a generous portion of spaghetti with around ¾ of the lentil balls, topped with hemp parmesan if desired. Leftover lentil balls keep in the fridge for a couple of days - store after cooling to room temperature.
A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Spaghetti and Lentil Balls
Let me tell you, juggling work, kids, and a semblance of a social life leaves little time for elaborate cooking. Weeknights are a blur of homework help, bath time battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" That's where this recipe for Spaghetti and Lentil Balls comes in. It's a lifesaver, a true culinary knight in shining armor, rescuing me from the tyranny of takeout menus and the groans of picky eaters. This isn't just a quick meal; it's a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly satisfying dish that the whole family can enjoy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder (mostly!), requiring minimal chopping and prep time. The lentil balls are packed with protein and fiber, keeping everyone full and energized, even my perpetually hungry teenagers. The tofu shirataki spaghetti is a low-carb alternative, perfect for those watching their waistlines or simply seeking a lighter pasta option. And the best part? It’s adaptable. Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Add different herbs and spices, experiment with different types of nuts, or substitute the tomato sauce for a creamy pesto. The possibilities are endless!
I often make a double batch on the weekends and store the lentil balls in the fridge. Then, during the week, I can whip up a quick and healthy dinner in minutes. It's the perfect meal prep solution for busy individuals like myself. This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of quick, healthy cooking that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction. It's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary – a delicious weeknight dinner that I, a busy mom, can actually manage to make!
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Simple Meals and Busy Lives
In today's fast-paced world, finding time for anything, let alone cooking a healthy and delicious meal, can feel like an impossible task. We’re bombarded with images of perfect meals and unrealistic expectations of what we “should” be doing. But let's be honest, perfection isn’t the goal. It's about finding ways to nourish our bodies and our families without sacrificing our sanity or our precious time.
This simple recipe for Spaghetti and Lentil Balls is a perfect example of that. It doesn't require hours of slaving over a hot stove or a degree in culinary arts. It's about embracing imperfection, about celebrating the simple joy of creating a wholesome meal with readily available ingredients. It's about finding the balance between health, taste, and convenience—a balance that is often elusive but always worth striving for.
Adapting to Your Lifestyle
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. For those with dietary restrictions, feel free to experiment. Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta. Vegan? This recipe already is! Want to add more vegetables? Go for it! Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant would complement the lentil balls beautifully. The point is, make this recipe your own. Adapt it to your taste, your time constraints, and your dietary needs. The only rule is to enjoy the process and the delicious outcome.
More Than Just a Meal
Cooking, for me, is more than just putting food on the table; it's an act of love and care. It’s a way to connect with my family, to create memories, and to share something nourishing, both physically and emotionally. Even amidst the chaos of a busy life, taking the time to prepare a simple, healthy meal can be a small act of self-care and a gesture of love for those you share it with. So, embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and let it bring a little bit of peace and deliciousness to your weeknight routine.
This recipe is not just about the food; it’s about reclaiming the kitchen as a sanctuary, a place of creativity, and a source of comfort in the midst of a busy life. It's about proving that healthy, delicious, and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about embracing the everyday and finding joy in the simple things – like a bowl of perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with flavorful lentil balls. It's about nourishing your body and your soul.
