Lentil balls in tomato sauce

Soft, flavourful lentil balls simmered in a homemade tomato sauce. Rich in plant protein and fibre, they are served with pasta or rice for a complete and budget-friendly dinner.

Preparation: 20 min  |  Cooking: 25 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities listed. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 154 kcal · 9 g protein · 23 g carbohydrate · 2 g fat

Ingredients

• 250 g cooked lentils
• 4 tbsp oats (rolled)
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin

Method

1. Mash the lentils and mix with the chopped onion, oats, cumin, salt and pepper.
2. Shape into balls and brown them.
3. Make a tomato sauce with the garlic and tomatoes.
4. Simmer the balls in the sauce for 15 minutes and serve with pasta.

Nutritional benefits

The lentils make these balls an excellent source of plant protein and fibre, filling and with a low glycaemic index. The oats bind the mixture without egg (vegan version) and the tomato sauce provides lycopene. A budget-friendly plant-based alternative to meatballs, served with a grain for a complete protein profile.

Variations and substitutions

• Made with chickpeas or kidney beans.
• Spicier: herbs, paprika, chilli.
• As a veggie burger.
• Baked in the oven for less fat.

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 3 days and freezes well (raw or cooked). A great batch cooking dish.

💡 Good to know

If the mixture is too wet, add more oats, and leave it to rest for 10 minutes before shaping the balls so they hold together.

Read more

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · high-protein recipes · dairy-free recipes.

Foods in this recipe: lentils · oats · onion · garlic · tomatoes.

You might also like these recipes: Baked falafels · Chickpea crackers · Scrambled tofu.