Albondigas Vegetarianas

Albondigas Vegetarianas are savory Spanish-style meatballs made with a blend of lentils and spices, offering a delightful twist on a classic dish. These hearty bites are perfect for snacking or as a tapas option, served with a tangy tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• green lentils - 200 grams
• onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• bell pepper - 1 small, finely chopped
• carrot - 1 medium, grated
• fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• cumin - 1 teaspoon
• smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• salt - 1 teaspoon
• black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• flour - 50 grams
• olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• canned crushed tomatoes - 200 grams
• vegetable broth - 100 ml
• bay leaf - 1

Steps

1. Rinse the green lentils under cold water and cook them in a pot with 500 ml of water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and flour. Mix until well combined.
5. Form the mixture into small balls, about 2.5 cm in diameter.
6. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat and fry the lentil balls until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to create a sauce.
8. Return the lentil balls to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from lentils, promoting muscle health.
• High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.

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