Mom's Vegan Spaghetti and "Meatballs"
As an adult in 2023, with kids who are vegetarian and trying to eat more vegan dishes, I've grown accustomed to my mom's delicious vegan version of this classic favorite. While not overly complicated, it has become one of our family's all-time go-to dinners because it's easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of nutrition!
Prep Time 45 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 750 kcal
Let's gather the ingredients!
- 1 cup brown lentils rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano chopped
- 1 tsp thyme chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti vegan
- 6 cups marinara sauce
- 1 sprig basil chopped
"Meat" balls
In a large saucepan combine the lentils and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes more minutes or until the lentils are tender. Uncover and cook until any remaining liquid has evaporated.
Stir in the flour, soy sauce, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, over low for about 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and the pan is very dry. Spread the mixture in a shallow baking pan; cool completely.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Scoop out 2 tablespoons worth of the lentil mixture, shape it into a ball, and place it in the prepared pan. Repeat to make about 20 lentil balls.
Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.
Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain. Drizzle with olive oil to avoid sticking to each other.
Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, top the spaghetti with lentil balls and top with the marinara sauce. Sprinkle with basil.
Serve and enjoy with family and friends!
Calories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 147gProtein: 36gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 2574mgPotassium: 2161mgFiber: 26gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 1791IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 132mgIron: 10mg
Keyword easy to make, Healthy, Marinara, Mom, Mom's Recipe, Spaghetti, vegan, Vegan Meatballs