Delicious Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Meatballs

These sweet and sour vegetarian meatballs are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors. Made with a mixture of lentils, breadcrumbs, and flavorful spices, these meatballs are perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meat-free option. The meatballs are then cooked in a rich and tangy sweet and sour sauce, which pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs. Serve these as an appetizer, over rice, or with noodles for a complete meal. This recipe is simple, delicious, and will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, minced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, soy sauce, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and sliced onion. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until well combined.
6. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
7. Add the meatballs back into the skillet and stir gently to coat them with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Serve the sweet and sour vegetarian meatballs over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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