Lentil and Rice Balls

These are a vegan alternative to meatballs. Caroline lived in a remote area of Costa Rica for field research during graduate school, and this was one of the recipes her team would take turns making for the group.

Notes:

• Caroline usually made this without walnuts or oats since they were expensive and hard to source where she lived. If you have allergies to either, just leave them out.
• This recipe makes a large batch (a full serving for about 12 people). We cut it in half to serve at a party for 7 where there was a bunch of other food to eat, and we had a bunch left over. We served them with flatbread, hummus, and a chopped vegetable salad.
• For variation, you can try different herbs instead of the basil.
• I made these once with cooked wild rice instead of long grain white rice and they were tasty. I served them with egg noodles and a vegetarian mushroom gravy for a stroganoff-type dish.
• These can also be pan fried in oil on the stove, but for large batches I think baking them is much, much easier.

Verdict: I like them best when Caroline makes them, but if I make them a few times I'm sure I'll figure out how to make them how I like them.

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RECIPE:

Lentil and Rice Balls

Unknown source; serves 12-16

2 tbsp olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped finely

4 cloves garlic, chopped finely

2 cups cooked long grain white or brown rice
3 cups cooked brown lentils

2 cups walnut pieces, toasted and then ground OR 2 cups oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon or lime juice to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When it is hot, add onions and garlic and saute until onion softens and becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add onions and garlic to the bowl with everything else. Mix well. With your hands, shape into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and outside is lightly crisped. Serve warm.