Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Irresistible Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with these Irresistible Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs. Paired with a creamy tzatziki, they offer a delightful texture and wholesome nutrition.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, cook the lentils in boiling water for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  4. Step 4: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  6. Step 6: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki by mixing together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  7. Step 7: Serve the baked Greek lentil meatballs warm with a side of creamy tzatziki for dipping. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • For best storage, keep any leftover baked Greek lentil meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and consider separating them from the tzatziki to maintain freshness.
  • To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they retain their crispy texture.
  • Serve the meatballs on a bed of fresh greens or alongside warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean meal; don’t forget to drizzle extra tzatziki on top for added flavor!
  • For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the lentil mixture before forming the meatballs—this will elevate their taste and give them a unique twist.
  • Author: olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs with tzatziki sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 4g