My obsession for these lentil bites knows no end. We keep an extra large batch of the bites in the freezer so that we can always have an easy meal, ready to go. This dish relies on my favorite pantry tomato sauce and a bit of cheese. These bites can be eaten by themselves, on top of grains, or smothering pasta. I've also been known to make meatball sandwiches with this recipe- perfect for dinner!
A beautiful and filling vegetarian dish featuring homemade lentil-bites smothered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Tips & Tricks: Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze before baking. The cook time will increase but it still makes the meal a bit faster!
If you're only eating these bites with the sauce, it's a good amount for two people. However, you could also serve these bites over pasta/grains and easily serve 3 to 4 people.
Stock up: get the pantry ingredients you will need: lentils, nuts, stewed tomatoes
Nutrition: see the information.
I'm constantly playing around with what I can do with these lentil bites. I've upped the vegetables, made them vegan, and used them in about every recipe possible. They are great served whole, sliced in half on a sandwich, or crumbled on a salad.
Broccoli Bites: I love adding vegetables to the lentil bites. I've found produce, like broccoli, to work really well. This recipe can help get you started.
Vegan: While I am a cheese fiend, the mozzarella can be left off and you could make the lentil bites with a flax-egg.
Pasta: Skip the second baking and top a big bowl of pasta with these lentil bites, marinara, and a fresh sprinkle of vegetarian-friendly parmesan.
Lentils are a must in my pantry. I keep red lentils on hand for quick soups, stews, and creamy meals while I have brown lentils on hand to make my favorite lentil bites. Black and French lentils tend to rotate but both hold up well in salads, tacos, enchiladas, and most places you might use chickpeas. A few of my favorite lentil recipes include:
Mediterranean Wrap with Lentil Bites
Spicy Lentil Vegan Sloppy Joes
Curried Lentils and Rhubarb Chutney
Looks great!
If I use sprouted lentils - should I still cook them?
I don't think so- as long as they are soft enough, you should be fine!
These look delicious!
Izzy | Pinch of delight
It sounds like you pour the sauce on top of the lentil bites in the same pan and bake again. I assume we finish baking the lentils, remove the parchment paper and then proceed with the sauce? Yummy sounding and on the plan for later this week! Thank you!
These were great. It seemed to take a lot of steps, so next time I'm thinking of baking the lentils like a meatloaf. Great flavors. Thanks!
★★★★★
This recipe is amazing and quite straight forward to follow. Thank you for sharing. It is very delicious. Perfect for vegetarian newbie like me.
x
May
★★★★★