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Vegan Tangy Crockpot Meatless Meatballs

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Have you ever eaten Trader Joes Meatless Meatballs? Although I like making my own version of vegan tangy crockpot meatless meatballs with my Vegan Lentil Meatballs, I was in a hurry and in need of a quick appetizer to take to a party.

I had to work all day, and we had to be at the party an hour after I was expected home, so I opted for the quick option.

Another alternative sold in many stores is Gardein Meatless Meatballs. Any meatless meatballs you choose works perfectly with this quick and easy recipe.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE LENTIL MEATBALLS

My grandma used to say if we knew what was in her meatball recipe, no one would eat them.

But, if you tasted them and knew how delicious they were, you would never imagine or care what was in them.

 I'm sure that isn't how I would feel today, but what tasted good we ate as a kid.

LENTIL MEATBALLS FOR  VEGAN TANGY CROCKPOT MEATLESS MEATBALLS: 

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked (1 cup dried) Brown Lentils (Trader Joes has great pre-cooked, oil-free, steamed lentils)
  • 3 cups Organic Vegetable Broth
  • 1  minced Shallot
  • 3 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon, chopped, fresh Basil
  • 1/4 cup; chopped, fresh Italian Parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste
  • 5-6 Tablespoons Italian Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

HOW TO MAKE A FLAX EGG:

  • 1 Tablespoons Flaxseed Meal
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoon Water

PREPARING THE LENTIL MEATBALLS FOR VEGAN TANGY CROCKPOT MEATLESS MEATBALLS

  • Rinse the lentils: Measure the lentils into a strainer or colander.
  • Pick over and remove any shriveled lentils, debris, or rocks.
  • Thoroughly rinse under running water.
  • Combine the lentils and veggie broth: Transfer the rinsed lentils to a saucepan and add veggie broth.
  • Bring to a rapid simmer, then reduce heat: Bring the water to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer.
  • You should only see a few small bubbles and some slight movement in the lentils.
  • Cook the lentils: Cook, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Measure out 1 1/2 cup

lentil meatballs in a muffin pan

Another idea is to use a mini-muffin pan for cooking the lentil meatballs. 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Using a food processor, add flaxseed and water and set up for 2-3 minutes (aquafaba or chickpea juice).
  • Add cooked, cooled lentils, sautéed garlic and shallot, Italian seasonings, parsley, tomato paste, and a pinch each salt and pepper to a food processor.
  • Pulse, mixing until combined; DO NOT purée or over pulse; it needs rice texture.
  • Add breadcrumbs, and stir by hand.
  • I like it salty, so add salt as you please.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper or herbs for flavor.
  • Use a melon baller or cookie dough baller, scoop out rounded Tablespoon amounts of dough, and carefully form into balls.
  • You may use your hands (I do).
  • I don't use oil, so place lentil meatballs on a baking pan and bake them. I use a mini muffin pan for baking the lentil meatballs.
  • While the lentil meatballs are baking, keep opening the oven, shake the pan, and move the meatballs around.
  • Cook 30 minutes total, rotating the meatballs every 10 minutes to make sure all sides are covered.
  • Remove meatballs from oven and let cool slightly; about 10 minutes.
  • They get firm sitting there, so don't disturb them.

HOW TO MAKE THE TANGY SAUCE FOR VEGAN LENTIL MEATLESS MEATBALLS...BAM!

This recipe is so simple and so easy to make; anyone can do it. I use my crockpot, and it takes all of 5 minutes unless you are making your own vegan crockpot meatballs.

Meat-eaters and vegan alike LOVE these little tangy veggie balls.

So, if you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer to take anywhere to please all people, try this one. You won't be disappointed.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR APPETIZERS THAT WILL PLEASE EVERYONE...

Vegan Tangy Crock Pot Meatless Meatballs
Yield: 12 servings

Vegan Tangy Crock Pot Meatless Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 4 seconds
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes 4 seconds

Oil-Free and Fabulous. Even Meat-Eaters Love these Vegan crockpot meatless meatballs! Grandma wouldn't even know they are vegan.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a high-speed blender, mix the grape jam and chili sauce in a crockpot
  • Use a whisk to combine grape jam and chili sauce
  • Add meatballs
  • Gently stir
  • Turn on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours if meatballs are frozen
  • Stir GENTLY a few times while cooking

I took these meatballs to a carnivore party, and I didn't tell anyone they were vegan. In fact, my husband and I sat back and watched as the entire crockpot disappeared. People asked me for the recipe.         Vegans 1                  Carnivores 0

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Nutrition Information

Yield

12 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 150Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 30mgSodium 394mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 5gSugar 10gProtein 15g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

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© Kathy Carmichael
Cuisine: American / Category: Small Bites
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