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Vegan Mushroom Recipe
Laura

Smoky BBQ Lentil Meatballs

These smoky vegan BBQ lentil meatballs combine tender lentils, sautéed mushrooms, rice, herbs, and barbecue sauce for a satisfying plant-based meal or appetizer.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 18 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 105

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Cooked brown or green lentils Divided
  • 1 cup Cooked brown rice
  • 2 cups Mushrooms Finely sliced
  • 1/2 medium Yellow onion Finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Divided
  • 2/3 cup Quick oats
  • 1/2 cup Plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley and cilantro Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Vegan barbecue sauce Plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons Vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Liquid smoke
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • Black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cookie scoop

Method
 

  1. Heat half the olive oil in a skillet. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook until soft, translucent, and lightly browned.
  2. Pulse half the lentils with the cooked mushrooms and onion in a food processor until combined but still textured.
  3. Combine the processed mixture with the remaining lentils, rice, oats, breadcrumbs, herbs, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, garlic powder, basil, and pepper. Rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Shape the mixture into about 18 small meatballs using damp hands or a cookie scoop.
  5. Heat the remaining oil and brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently to develop a crust.
  6. Add barbecue sauce, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the meatballs are glossy and coated.

Notes

  • Do not over-process the lentil mixture.
  • If the mixture is wet, rest it longer or add breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time.
  • For baking, cook at 200°C for approximately 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Cool completely before storing or freezing.