Crispy Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Made with green lentils and aromatic herbs, they offer a satisfying texture and pair perfectly with a refreshing tzatziki sauce. This dish works well as an appetizer or a main course for a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Tzatziki: 1 cup thick yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse green lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine lentils with 4 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: While the lentils cook, sauté the onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the lentil mixture into small balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatballs for 25–30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by combining thick yogurt, grated cucumber, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
8. Step 8: Serve the warm crispy lentil meatballs with tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of ground cumin or smoked paprika to the lentil mixture.
• If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.
• Ensure lentils are well-drained and slightly cooled before mixing to help the meatballs bind properly.
• Use fresh herbs like dill or mint in the tzatziki to add a more authentic Greek taste.

Storage

Store leftover lentil meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The tzatziki can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best served fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

Green lentils are preferred for their firm texture, but brown lentils can be used as a substitute. Red lentils are not ideal as they become too soft and mushy.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the lentils are well-drained and the mixture is not too wet. Using panko breadcrumbs and an egg helps bind the ingredients together. If needed, add a little more breadcrumbs to firm up the mixture before shaping.

Crispy Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

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4.6 from 85 reviews

These Crispy Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, featuring green lentils, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, they make a delightful appetizer or main course that’s both vegetarian and satisfying.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 16 meatballs (serving size 4 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Lentil Meatballs

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lentils: Rinse green lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the lentils with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Simmer the Lentils: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the lentils for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and allow them to cool slightly.
3. Sauté Aromatics: While the lentils cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
5. Preheat Oven and Shape Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball, shape into small balls and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
6. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
7. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine thick yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed of excess moisture), and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir well to create a creamy and refreshing dip.
8. Serve: Once the meatballs are golden and crispy, remove from the oven and serve hot alongside the homemade tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Be sure to drain and cool the lentils well to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• You can prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
• These meatballs reheat well and can be frozen for meal prep convenience.

Keywords: Greek lentil meatballs, vegetarian meatballs, baked lentil balls, tzatziki sauce, healthy appetizers, Mediterranean recipes