Description
These Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs & Tzatziki are flavorful, wholesome, and easy to make. Packed with fresh herbs and Mediterranean spices, they provide a nutritious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup Dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
3 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup Fresh mint, chopped
2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Ground cumi
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup Breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
2 tablespoons Lemon juice
1 large Cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and grated
1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon Fresh mint, chopped (optional, but recommended)
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the lentils by rinsing thoroughly and boiling them in vegetable broth for 20-25 minutes. Drain excess liquid
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes
- Combine cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, mint, dill, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl
- Add breadcrumbs and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to form a cohesive mixture
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Form the lentil mixture into meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brow
- Prepare tzatziki by squeezing excess liquid from grated cucumber, then combine with yogurt, garlic, dill, mint, olive oil, and lemon juice. Chill before serving
- Serve baked meatballs with tzatziki sauce
Notes
Chill the lentil mixture for easier handling before baking.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280-320 kcal
- Sugar: 5-8g
- Sodium: 400-550mg
- Fat: 10-14g
- Saturated Fat: 2-4g
- Unsaturated Fat: -
- Trans Fat: -
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fiber: 10-14g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Cholesterol: 0-5mg