This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience.

Cookie Settings

Company logo
Rated "Excellent" by our customers

Search recipes

Filter your search:











Search tips...

Rated "Excellent" by our customers
See our 4,718 reviews on Trust Pilot
A snowy background advertising our Christmas Health Food Shop
A banner showing the Scottish flag
A banner of ultra processed food and healthy green vegetables

Vegetarian Italian Inspired Lentil And Mozzarella Meatballs Recipe

Our recipe for these Italian style lentil, rice and mozarella vegetarian meatballs makes around 16 balls. Remember to leave time to soak the lentils. Serve with a classic tomato sauce and spaghetti or pasta of your choice.

Posted by: michael
On:

Cuisine

Italian

Time

30 - 60 mins

Skill Level

Confident

Serves

4

Courses etc.

Main Courses
Recipes for kids

You will need

IngredientAdd
1 cup or 200g Puy lentils, soaked for at least 4 hours OR More products
1 cup or 200g black Beluga lentils, soaked for at least 4 hours OR More products
1 cup or 200g red split lentils More products
1/2 cup or 100g red rice or rice of your choice More products
125g mozzarella cheese

Awaiting stock

More products
1 red onion, finely chopped More products
4 garlic cloves, crushed More products
1 bunch fresh basil, chopped

Awaiting stock

More products
a few drops extra hot cayenne pepper sauce, optional

Awaiting stock

More products
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
a little extra virgin olive oil

Awaiting stock

More products

Need help converting measurements? View our recipe measurement conversion tables here.

Method

  • Rinse and drain the lentils and the rice and place them in a saucepan with about 3 cups (750ml) water. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and cook gently for about 15 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils and the rice are soft. The cooking time will vary depending on the lentils and the rice you choose, and how long you pre-soak them : red split lentils will cook in 15 minutes, Puy lentils in about 25 minutes.
  • Drain the rice and lentils well and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  • Using a potato masher or a fork or an immersion / hand blender, mash the rice, lentils, roughly chopped mozzarella, onion, garlic, basil and cayenne if using.
  • Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm.
  • Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
  • Take the mixture out of the fridge and form about 16 balls with your hands. Brush the ball with olive oil, place them on your prepared baking tray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes or so to ensure they are evenly browned.
  • Serve with wholegrain spaghetti and homemade tomato sauce.

Please rate this recipe and/or send us your comments or questions

Collapse arrows icon

Write a review

E-mail:

Shopping List

Picture of Speckled Lentils Dark Green ORGANIC
Speckled Lentils Dark Green ORGANIC
Real Foods
Picture of Black Beluga Lentils ORGANIC
Black Beluga Lentils ORGANIC
Real Foods
Picture of Red Split Lentils ORGANIC
Red Split Lentils ORGANIC
Real Foods
Orange bestseller sticker
Picture of Red Onions ORGANIC
Red Onions ORGANIC
Real Foods
Picture of Garlic ORGANIC
Garlic ORGANIC
Real Foods (each)
£1.05
Picture of Fresh Basil ORGANIC
Fresh Basil ORGANIC
Real Foods (1bunch)
£2.00
Awaiting stock
Picture of Red Rice Thailand ORGANIC
Red Rice Thailand ORGANIC
Real Foods