Jan 25, 2019 (Last updated Sep 12, 2021) by Hannah Sunderani
Happy Friday everyone! I am counting down the hours to the weekend, and how much longer I have to wait until I can make up a batch of these eggplant and lentil vegan meatballs! If you ask me, there is no better way to welcome the weekend than a comforting spaghetti and meatball dish.
Thought that us vegan had to opt-out of spaghetti and meatballs for dinner? Well, think again! There are plenty of delicious non-meatball alternatives out there for us plant-based folks. Turns out, you don’t need beef to make a kickass meatball. These ones are made using eggplant and lentils.
I find eggplant a great substitute for meat based dishes. Eggplant has a nice meaty texture and great binding potential. It’s also a nice alternative to using mushrooms in recipes, which is a popular ingredient in vegetarian cooking. However, I notice that people either love or hate mushrooms and so I wanted to show you another option for a comforting “meaty dish” in case you’re planning to host a get together and want to avoid a food preference mis-hap.Low and behind these vegan meatballs! They are made by combining eggplant, lentils and oat flour for a cozy pasta and meatballs dish that will charm any vegan skeptic.
I love the addition of lentils in this dish for an extra protein punch. In fact, the first time I experimented in making these vegan meatballs I only used eggplant and oats. Even though they were delicious I found them a little too carb-based, especially served alongside spaghetti. Lentils were the perfect addition in keeping the ground beef consistency while also upping the protein.
But what really makes these vegan meatballs so delicious is the flavouring. When it comes to flavour these vegan meatballs pack a punch! In fact, I reckon this goes for most meat based dishes. I truly believe it’s not the meat that people yearn for; it’s the way the meat is spiced. And the flavours in these vegan meatballs are plentiful. I’ve started with some classic onion and garlic, spiced with cumin, nutritional yeast and chili flakes. Then I’ve added tahini, liquid smoke (or you can use tamari), and lemon juice. All finished with a generous pinch of sea salt (because everything is better with this handy little ingredient). The outcome is a heavenly spiced meatball that’s FULL of flavour. You can’t help but pop one after the other into your mouth.
These meatballs are so delicious you can enjoy them on their own. Or, they can be stuffed into pita wrap with some lettuce and tahini to drizzle. But my favourite way to enjoy them is tossed into a classic tomato sauce and scooped over spaghetti noodles.
I’ve used my Classic Tomato Sauce recipe. It takes 10 minutes to throw together for a heavenly pasta sauce. And trust me, it’s well worth the few extra steps.
I think you’ll agree that these flavourful Eggplant and Lentil Vegan Meatballs is just what we need on a Friday evening to unwind from the week. Pop a bottle of red wine and you’re looking at TGIF done right. And, if you do make this recipe please let me know in the comments below what you think! I love hearing from you. And of course, tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations.
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I made these tonight for the first time and wow! They are so delicious! I air fried them in the oven and kept them small so they got a nice crunchy coating! Thank you!
This recipe was a real success n my family today. Had an eggplant to use and thought this was a perfect easy recipe. I did do a mistake and will do it again using the proper appliance. Instead of using the food processor I used the blender until I realized the texture was going to be wrong. It did not look as nice as yours Hannah but he taste was there. As usual a great recipe. I enjoy using your recipes and your book as all recipes are always turning tasty. Thanks
Aww so glad that you enjoyed the recipe Christine! Thanks for the very lovely comment!!
These came out great! I did a combo of eggplant/crimini mushroom with the lentils, to use up veggies in my produce box. This meatball recipe could be used to form a “burger”, or meatball sub. Mine did fall apart a little easily, but I don’t really mind. The overall texture and flavor was good.
Hi Artemisia. I am thrilled that you loved these meatballs so much! I love the flavour of them too. You’re right in that they would make for a delicious burger. I must try that next time!
Wow these look incredible and your photos are stunning. They make me want these meatballs for dinner tonight ????????.
Oh Amy that is so sweet! Am glad you like the look of this recipe. Hope you enjoy it!xx
Girl these ‘meatballs’ look incredible. Drooling at that first picture!! Can’t wait to give the recipe a go <3 Bek xx
Thank you so much Bek! That is truly the biggest compliment. I hope you enjoy them lovely!!