Beluga Lentil and Shiitake Meatballs

These meatballs are the perfect addition to pasta, a sandwich, salads, you name it.
They're delicious, filling and nutritious!

Beluga Lentil and Shiitake Meatballs [Vegan]

Ingredients

• 7 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 4 handfuls of beluga lentils
• 3 small (or 2 large) sage leaves
• 2 shallots
• 2 small carrots
• 1/2 stalk of celery
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig of lemon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons of rice starch
• 2 tablespoons of cornmeal flour
• 1 tablespoon of white miso
• 1 tablespoon of dark tahini
• 1 piece of fresh ginger (1/4 inch)
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of seaweed powder
• extra virgin olive oil to taste
• lemon juice (a few drops)
• To serve with: Tomato sauce (better if homemade) to taste, organic lemon (a few slices), rocket to taste

Preparation

1.  
   First soak the shiitakes for the time indicated in the package (usually at least 6 hours), then drain and squeeze well.
2.  
   Rinse the beluga lentils in running water and cook them in plenty of water with the bay leaf. When cooked, remove the bay leaf and drain.
3.  
   In a large and low pan prepare a bottom with a little extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced ​​shallots, carrot and celery cut into very small cubes. Soften for a few minutes over low heat then add the chopped mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Cook over low heat with a lid and add boiling water if necessary. When the shiitakes are soft, add the lentils, smoked paprika and grated ginger and turn off the heat.
4.  
   Let it cool, then put the ingredients in a blender or blender adding the tahini and the miso and start blending intermittently until the mixture is not too smooth. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and mix the rice starch and the corn flour with the remaining remaining ingredients, adding the lemon juice and seaweed powder. Let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours, then form the meatballs with your hands (trying to make them all the same size).
5.  
   Put in an air-fryer with the super hot option, until the desired degree of dried, or in the oven if you do not have the air-fryer.
6.  
   Heat the tomato sauce without adding seasonings (if of good quality, nothing else is needed) and place it in a glass bowl in the center of the serving dish. Prepare a bed of rocket on the bottom of the plate. Put the meatballs on thin wooden or bamboo sticks with thin slices of lemon (both organic because you also eat the peel) and basil. Dip the meatballs in the tomato sauce and also eat them with a slice of lemon.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/beluga-lentil-and-shiitake-meatballs-vegan/