Discover the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty lentil balls with a silky smooth potato and celeriac puree. This plant-based dish brings together rich, earthy flavors and satisfying textures that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special weekend meal, these lentil balls showcase how vegan cuisine can be both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Lentil Balls
- 7 oz (200g) cooked brown lentils
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 7 oz (200g) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp oat flakes
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Potato Celery Puree
- 14 oz (400g) floury potatoes
- 7 oz (200g) celeriac
- 1 tbsp vegan margarine
- 1/4 cup (60ml) plant milk
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Onion Gravy
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable broth
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Celery Puree
- Peel and dice potatoes and celeriac
- Boil in salted water until completely soft
- Drain thoroughly
- Mash with vegan margarine, plant milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper
- Keep warm
- Make the Lentil Balls
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and moisture has evaporated
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed vegetables with cooked lentils
- Add oat flakes, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper
- Mix thoroughly
- Form mixture into golf ball-sized balls
- Cook the Lentil Balls
- Heat olive oil in a skillet
- Fry lentil balls until golden brown on all sides
- Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes
- Prepare the Onion Gravy
- In a saucepan, slowly caramelize sliced onion rings
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes
- Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes
- Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry
- Thicken gravy if needed
- Plate the Dish
- Spread potato and celeriac puree on plates
- Top with golden lentil balls
- Pour warm onion gravy over the lentil balls
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Medium
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
Pro Tips
- Use fresh thyme if available for more intense flavor
- Ensure lentils are well-drained to prevent soggy balls
- For extra crispiness, roll lentil balls in additional breadcrumbs before cooking
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs
A delightful vegan dish that proves plant-based meals can be both nutritious and incredibly satisfying!