Vegetarian Meatballs With Red Pepper Sauce And Spaghetti Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Start by cooking the lentils according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
• STEP 2.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
• STEP 3.In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined and the mixture holds together.
• STEP 4.Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• STEP 5.While the meatballs are baking, prepare the red pepper sauce. In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, tomato sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend until smooth.
• STEP 6.Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
• STEP 7.Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• STEP 8.To serve, place the cooked spaghetti on a plate, top with the vegetarian meatballs, and drizzle with the red pepper sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
• STEP 9.Enjoy the vegetarian meatballs with red pepper sauce and spaghetti immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to cook the lentils until they are tender but not mushy.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour.
• You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Just thaw and bake when ready to serve.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your spice preference.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Serve the vegetarian meatballs with spaghetti as a main dish or as a side dish with a salad or roasted vegetables.