I don’t feel like Wednesdays should be considered “hump-day”. They never feel like the half-way point. They just seem long and dragging. Come Thursday though, I start to see the light. Well, at least once I leave school on Thursday, then I start to relax knowing I have to get though only one more day. There are a few things that can make any day better though. Sunshine, moving your body (Wednesday is strength training for me!) but yoga would be fabulous as well, or being able to look forward to a yummy dinner. Something special and out of the ordinary is what I am talking about. None of the classic go-tos, but something that takes a little extra love but have a pay off that equals amazing.
I got a spiralizer for Christmas as I had always wanted one. I was so jealous when I saw all those amazing recipes using zucchini noodles, sweet potato noodles, etc. So fun and unique which is right up my ally for cooking. Plus, spiralizers are pretty cheap (this is the quality famous brand that you want!). I was worried that it would just be a piece of cheap plastic and way to difficult to actually get working. O, but I was so wrong. It was so easy to spiralize! All you have to do is pick your blade (there are 3), attach it, cut the ends off of the veggie you want spiralized, stick one end in the pointy circle, stick the other on the small raised circle, then just crank the handle and oodles and oodles of noodles pour out! It is so much fun, you will be addicted!
Lentil Quinoa Meatball Bolognese and Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients: (serves: 4)
+ 4 Medium Zucchini
For the Meatballs:
+ 1/2 Cup Quinoa
+ 1/2 Cup Brown Lentils
+ 1/2 Tsp each of Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, and Smoked Paprika
+ 1 Tsp each of Dried Basil, Marjoram, Parsley, and Oregano
+ 1 Tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer
+ 1 TB Nutritional Yeast
For the Sauce:
+ 15oz Can of Salt-Free Plain Tomato Sauce
+ 15oz Can Salt-Free Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
+ 2 Small Shallots (diced)
+ 2 Small Eggplants (cut into discs and then quartered)
+ 1 1/2 Cup Roughly Chopped Portobello Mushrooms
+ 2 TB Nutritional Yeast
+ 1/2 Tsp each of Garlic Powder and Oregano
+ 1 Tsp Each of Dried Basil and Marjoram
+ A Few Cracks of White Peppercorns
Directions:
+ Watch this tutorial here on how to spiralize your zucchini if you need help. Otherwise, just go ahead and spiralize and then set them aside.
+ For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook your quinoa and lentils in a pot with 2 1/3 cup of water for about 20-30 minutes (until the water is all soaked up).
+ In a blender, add the quinoa and lentils, all the spices, herbs, nutritional yeast, and egg replacer. Blend until everything is combined, but still a bit lumpy for texture.
+ Then prepare a greased baking dish and roll small palm sized amounts of the meatball mixture in your hands. You can make them what ever size you want but I did about 3-4 for each person. Then place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
+For the sauce: Add all ingredients to a large sauce pot, stir, and heat on medium heat (covered) for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
+ When everything is done, add the meatballs to the sauce and mix around. Then just plate form noodles and top with a few meatballs and lovely sauce 🙂 Enjoy!
Remember to sprinkle with some additional parsley so it doesn’t look naked!
That’s better 😉
Like I said yesterday, this would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day at-home dinner date!
So tell me:
Do you spiralize?
What are some things that always make your day better?
*Recipe linking up for the week! WIAW, Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, Ricki Heller’s Wellness Weekend, Healthy Vegan Fridays!*
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superfabulouslife
Those look absolutely divine and the way that you garnished them brings such a wonderful presentation. I am definitely going to try this recipe!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much! It is one of those “looks complicated” but is actually pretty easy recipes!
Molly
It’s always nice to see a plant-based “meatball” with no seitan involved! The sauce sounds great, too.
Strength and Sunshine
That’s my job 😉 I need it gluten free and soy free too!
Deborah Smikle-Davis
Hi Rebecca,
This recipe my just become my favorite plant-based “comfort food” recipe!
Thank you so much for sharing this healthy and delicious recipe on the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Blog Hop! I appreciate it!
Strength and Sunshine
I’m so happy you like it!
CJ Huang
It looks like such fun to make your own “noodles” out of just about anything. 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it is! I had a hard time stopping!
zsudever
Looks really great! Especially those zucchini noodles
Zsu @ Zsu’s Vegan Pantry
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! They are so fun to make…and eat 🙂
Kierston
Okay, you’ve inspiralized me 😉
Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! Mission accomplished 🙂
Nicole
I’m new to lentils and quinoa so I always appreciate when someone shares a recipe that gives me new ways to use both of those ingredients.
Strength and Sunshine
I’m glad I could show you some versatility with them instead of just plain cooking them! They are a perfect source of plant-based protein!
Becca
Oh my gosh! That looks DELISH!!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Becca!
fittingintovegan
Yum, this looks great! Almost guilt-free!
Strength and Sunshine
Almost guilt-free? Real food has no guilt!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo
I’ve heard so many good things about spiralizers I think I might just have to get one. Your photos had me salivating! Commenting from SITS
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Phoebe! Drooling is always good 😉 I would totally encourage you to buy one! It is definitely worth it if you love a quick easy way to make healthy dishes!
Teresa Britton
Oh wow, this looks great! I’ve been a vegetarian for about 20 years, but I am still finding new ideas. I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
20 years, that is awesome! You can never stop learning about food, cooking, and recipes! That is why I love it so much 🙂
@thetravelguru_
I never have before but this look absolutely lush so I may have to go buy one! #SITS
Strength and Sunshine
You will love it! You can use any veggie really, from beets, to potatoes, to carrots. So many possibilities!
Alli
That look so yummy, I can’t wait to try out those meatballs. I’ve been on the hunt for meatless meal ideas that I think my family will eat, and these are topping my list of must try now. My boys love meatballs, maybe they’ll love these too! (following from the SITS group!)
Strength and Sunshine
I bet they will! They really do look like “real” meatballs…maybe they won’t even know, haha! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Rachel
We love making noodles and I don’t eat meat so I have to try these meatballs too!
Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do! It is a fun a rewarding recipe when done 🙂
Miranda
This looks so YUMMY. I haven’t found a good vegan alternative to meatballs yet, and I’m looking forward to trying your lentil quinoa! Thank you!
Strength and Sunshine
You will be happy with these! They are so good and just like a “real” meatball…except better, more nutritious, and cruelty-free!
lovenataliemarie
I wish I had a spiralizer. Oh the recipes I would create! I think I may invest in one soon. 😀
This looks so delicious. Mouth watering. Divine. Yum.
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Natalie!! You can get the best one for under $35 on Amazon!
Meredith @ Peachy Clean Eats
Love the idea for the meatballs! I make regular quinoa balls but so keen on the lentil idea 🙂 thanks for sharing
Strength and Sunshine
It adds even more excellent plant-based protein! I love lentils and they are so satisfying and nutrient dense!
eatgreatbegreat
I really need to get a spiralizer! I love the idea of making zucchini noodles. Looks amazing!
Strength and Sunshine
You should! They are super cheap and totally worth it!
Ashley
I’m so happy that I came across your blog on Instagram! It looks like you have so many delicious recipes. I can’t wait to try some. I definitely need to try this one!
Ashley, Married to the Game
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Ashley! I’m glad you found me 🙂 Let me know if you give any recipes a try!
Inspiralized
Looks great! Beautiful photos, too!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! 🙂 Your blog is so perfect for spiralizing inspiration and info 😉