Name: Lentil Meatball Subs That Actually Taste Like Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Cooked and soaked lentils, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, Roma tomatoes, Italian seasoning, white onion, carrot, cooked rice, vital wheat gluten (or breadcrumbs), salt, pepper, cumin, crushed red pepper, ciabatta bread, plant-based cheese.

Lentil Meatball Subs That Actually Taste Like Meatballs

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These lentil meatball subs are hearty, high in protein, and shockingly close to the real thing. Packed with flavor and texture, they’re a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food sandwich.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

Cooked and soaked lentils, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, Roma tomatoes, Italian seasoning, white onion, carrot, cooked rice, vital wheat gluten (or breadcrumbs), salt, pepper, cumin, crushed red pepper, ciabatta bread, plant-based cheese.

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Instructions

Soak lentils for 3 hours. Blend into a chunky paste. Sauté onions and carrots until soft, then add garlic. Mix with lentils, rice, and seasonings. Add vital wheat gluten to bind. Let rest for 10 minutes. Shape into balls and brown in a pan with olive oil. Simmer in blended tomato sauce for 10 minutes. Serve in toasted ciabatta with sauce and cheese, broiled until bubbly.

Notes

These freeze beautifully. Let cool, then store in freezer bags. Reheat in oven or microwave. Adjust seasonings to taste—spicy or mild works. Gluten-free? Swap wheat gluten for oat flour and chill the mix longer before shaping.

Author: Emilie Faivre
Prep Time: 25 minutes (+ 3 hours soak)
Cook Time: 20 minutes