Cilantro Walnut Pesto & Lentil Balls Spaghetti

We made some meaty vegan balls made of Lentils on spaghetti noodles & walnut pesto. Looking for a hearty, plant-based meal that's packed with flavor and simple ingredients? These lentil balls served with a zesty walnut cilantro pesto over a bed of spaghetti are the perfect choice. The combination of green lentils mixed with savory seasonings like fennel seed and garlic creates the ultimate meatless meatballs, baked to a satisfying golden brown. Tossed with a fresh pesto made from toasted walnuts, fragrant cilantro, and a burst of lemon juice, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a Meatless Monday dinner or just want to enjoy a wholesome meal, this recipe has all the elements of comfort and nutrition. Plus, it's easy to prepare using pantry staples like spaghetti noodles, olive oil, and flour—all while adding your personal touch with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Follow this simple recipe, and enjoy a delicious, sauce-like consistency that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup lentils (brown or green)
• 1 Bulb onion (finely chopped)
• 5 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoon flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 tablespoon seasoning of choice (e.g., fennel seed, black pepper, or chili powder)
• 1 Cup walnuts (toasted)
• 1 Bunch cilantro (chopped)
• 1 Piece lemon (for zest and juice)
• 400 grams spaghetti noodles

Steps:

1. Cook the Lentils:
   • In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Lentil Mix:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoning of choice (such as fennel seed or black pepper), and 3 tablespoons of flour. Use a potato masherto mash the lentils, mixing everything well. This will form the base of your lentil balls.
3. Shape the Lentil Balls:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the lentil mixture into small round balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving lots of space between each ball. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Bake the Lentil Balls:
   • Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentil balls turn golden brown. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • While the lentil balls are baking, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
6. Prepare the Walnut Cilantro Pesto:
   • In a food processor, combine 1 cup of toasted walnuts, 1 bunch of chopped cilantro, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon, and seasoning of your choice (e.g., salt and black pepper). Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little water if needed to reach a sauce-like consistency.
7. Assemble the Dish:
   • Toss the cooked spaghetti with the walnut cilantro pesto in a large bowl, ensuring all the noodles are coated. Serve with the baked lentil balls on top.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Enjoy this flavorful and protein-packed meal!

Vegan Lentil Balls

Boil lentils along with other vegetables you might have in the fridge. Get creative here and feel free to clean up the fridge of the vegetables you might want to get rid of.

Achieve a ground meat type of texture and season it up with oil, maybe some bbq seasoning, Worcestershire and pink Himalayan salt. You may add a binder of chips, crackers or flour.

Ball them up and sear in a cast iron pan. You may finish the cooking in an oven too!

Walnut Pesto

Parsley, basil or cilantro, they all work. Add some walnuts, water & oil, maybe some nutritional yeast and lemons. Use your intuitive skills on achieving he perfect texture and taste. Feel free to make variations.

Spaghetti Noodles

Cook spaghetti noodles for 9 minutes in a pot of salted boiling water. Strain and run through cold water and toss in oil.

Assemble Noodles, Pesto & Vegan meatballs! Enjoy this framework and share with people you love!

Variations

1. Spiced Lentil Balls: Add chili powder and fennel seeds to the lentil mix for a spicier, aromatic version.
2. Herb Swap Pesto: Replace the cilantro with fresh basil or a mix of fresh parsley and thyme for a different herb flavor in the pesto.
3. Vegan Meatball Sub: Use the lentil balls as a filling in a toasted pita bread with some tomato sauce for a hearty sandwich.
4. Grain-Free Lentil Balls: Skip the bread crumbs and add extra flaxseed meal or ground wheat germ for a gluten-free option.
5. Cheesy Pesto: Add vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to the walnut cilantro pesto for a nuttier, cheesy flavor.

Substitutions

1. Flax Egg: For an egg-free version, use a flax egg made by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water, letting it sit until it thickens.
2. Walnuts: If you’re out of walnuts, substitute them with pine nuts or almonds in the cilantro pesto.
3. Breadcrumbs: Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use brown rice for added texture in the lentil balls.
4. Brown Lentils: You can use green lentils or sprouted lentils if you don’t have brown lentils on hand.
5. Lemon Juice: If you don’t have lemon juice, substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.

FAQ

1. How do I store leftover lentil balls?
   • Store any leftover lentil balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.
2. Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
   • Yes! The walnut cilantro pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for a couple of months. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
3. How do I make the lentil balls hold together better?
   • To ensure they hold well, make sure to fully mash the lentils with a potato masher and let the lentil mix sit for a few minutes so that the flax egg binds the mixture.
4. Can I pan-fry the lentil balls instead of baking them?
   • Yes, you can fry the lentil balls in a large frying pan over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides, but baking is a lower-fat option.

Top Tip

• Chill the Lentil Mixture: For firmer lentil balls, chill the lentil mix in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming into balls. This helps the ingredients bind better and hold their shape during baking.

Hint

• Bake on Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent the lentil balls from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup afterward.

These tips and adaptations will make your lentil balls and walnut cilantro pesto recipe both versatile and delicious!