LENTIL AND QUINOA MEATBALLS WITH CARIBBEAN PEPPA GLAZE
Using Caribbean Peppa Sauce
These plant-based meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for all eaters, boasting heart-healthy benefits and a generous dose of plant-based protein. The Caribbean Peppa Glaze adds a delightful touch of spice, creating a dish that's both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.
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Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Yield: 6-8
Serving size: 4 meatballs
Ingredients:
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1 TBLS avocado oil or olive oil
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3/4 cup dried brown lentils
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2/3 cup uncooked quinoa
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2 bay leaves
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2 tsp EVOO
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3/4 cup small diced onion
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3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
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1/2 cup celery finely diced
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1/2 cup carrots grated
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 TBLS vegan Worcestershire sauce
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2 to TBLS ketchup (low sugar Ketchup)
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2 TBLS tamari or coconut aminos (use coconut aminos for soy free option)
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3TBLS nutritional yeast
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1/4 tsp coarsely ground fennel seeds
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1/2 cup GF breadcrumbs or coarsely ground oats
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Plant Bomb Caribbean Peppa Sauce
Instructions:
Add Lentils, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to a small stockpot and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until lentils are soft and tender (15-20 mins). Add water if needed and strain off any extra water. Remove bay leaf, chill, and set aside
Rinse quinoa and Combine quinoa, bay leaf, salt & pepper, and 1.5 cups water in a small stockpot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 mins. Remove bay leaf, chill, and set aside
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Heat a sauté pan to med heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté lightly for 3-5 mins. Add thyme, oregano, and fennel seed. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl.
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Add chilled quinoa and lentils to the large bowl and mash with potato masher or hands. You want to keep some texture to the mixture, be careful to not over-mash.
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Add nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs ketchup coconut aminos and Vegan Worcestershire sauce and mix well. Check the consistency by forming a ball with the mixture. If it is too wet add a small amount of breadcrumb.
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Taste the mixture and season with salt & pepper one last time.
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Use a 1 oz scoop to portion meatballs. Use your hands to form balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
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Optional Step for extra flavor. Preheat a large skillet to med. Add oil and brown balls for 5 mins on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and place on alined baking sheet.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees
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Pour a generous amount of Caribbean Peppa sauce over the meatballs and then use a basting brush to spread the sauce evenly.
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Bake for 15 mins uncovered.
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Allow the meatballs to rest for 10 mins before serving. Feel free to drizzle more Peppa sauce over the top before serving.
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Place Meatballs on your favorite serving platter and Enjoy!
Special Notes:
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This recipe is vegan and gluten-free and has 14 grams of plant-based protein per serving! 1 serving is 4 meatballs
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Meatballs freeze and reheats well! You can reheat balls in an oven safe dish covered for 15 mins at 350 degrees.