Lentil-Spinach "Meatballs"
Whenever I do the Daniel Fast, I typically make at least one batch of these plant-based meatballs. The beautiful green pigmentation you see is from the spinach, which contains chlorophyll (rich in vitamins A, C, K, and E). Also, the lentils and walnuts add a nice amount of protein, making this dish one that's full of nutrients your body needs.
- 1/2 cup dry lentils, sorted and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups Vegetable Broth or water see Recipe Notes
- 1/2 cup diced onion, divided
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped white button mushrooms
- 1/2 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour or oat flour see Recipe Notes
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Place lentils and broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat, and add 1/4 cup onions and garlic. Cover, and simmer with lid tilted for 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While lentils cook, heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add remaining 1/4 cup onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside.
When lentils are done cooking, drain and stir into onion-mushroom-spinach mixture. Add oat flour, walnuts, flaxseed meal, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well. Transfer to a food processor or blender and process 10-15 seconds or until smooth. Form mixture into balls (about 2 tablespoons per ball) and place on an 11 by 17-inch baking dish that has been rubbed with olive oil. Bake 30 minutes.
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 2 meatballs)
- To sort lentils, spread them in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Look for discolored or misshapen beans, and discard any unwanted debris. Place good lentils into a colander and rise thoroughly with warm water.
- Make your own oat flour by placing old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor or blender and process until fine (1 cup old-fashioned oats will yield about 3/4 cup ground oats).
- Serve alone as an appetizer or as part of a main dish.
- Make a Daniel Fast spaghetti and meatballs dish by topping with Classic Tomato Sauce and brown rice, spaghetti squash, or whole grain pasta.
- If you don’t have time to make your own vegetable broth, you can use a store-brought brand that’s Daniel Fast friendly. I recommend Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock.