Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs (vegan)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs
Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing together the tartness of cranberries and the bright zest of oranges. This vegan version swaps traditional meat for hearty plant-based ingredients, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that’s simply irresistible.
Historically, meatballs have been a staple in many cultures, often served at gatherings and celebrations. From Italian polpette to Swedish köttbullar, these bite-sized delights have a way of bringing people together. In this recipe, we embrace the spirit of togetherness with a plant-based approach, making it suitable for vegans and those looking to reduce their meat consumption. Plus, who can resist the combination of cranberry and orange? It’s like a holiday party in your mouth!
To make these meatballs, we use a combination of lentils, oats, and spices, which not only provide a satisfying texture but also pack a nutritional punch. The cranberry orange glaze is made from fresh ingredients, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor. Serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as part of a holiday spread. Just be prepared for guests to ask for the recipe—after all, who wouldn’t want to impress their friends with such a delicious and festive dish?
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that’s not only good for you but also good for the planet. And remember, when it comes to meatballs, it’s all about the love you put into them. Just like a good pun, they should be well-rounded and leave everyone smiling!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked lentils
- 1 cup oats
- 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 0.25 cup ground flaxseed
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 0.25 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of cooked lentils, 1 cup of oats, 0.5 cup of finely chopped onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. This mixture will form the base of your meatballs.
- In a small bowl, mix 0.25 cup of ground flaxseed with 0.5 cup of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will act as a binding agent, similar to eggs in traditional meatballs.
- Add the flaxseed mixture to the lentil mixture along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry orange glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 0.5 cup of orange juice, and 0.25 cup of maple syrup.
- Cook the glaze for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. You can mash some of the cranberries with a fork for a smoother consistency.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the glaze and stir well to thicken it further.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully toss them in the cranberry orange glaze until they are well coated.
- Return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the glaze adhere to the meatballs.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating. They make a great appetizer or a main dish paired with rice or quinoa.
- Enjoy your delicious vegan cranberry orange glazed meatballs, and remember: the only thing better than a good meatball is a good pun!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbs g: 40
- Protein g: 10
- Fat g: 5
- Sugar g: 10
