Looking for a romantic, plant-based dinner that’s both delicious and easy to make? This Valentine’s Day, ditch the traditional meat and try something truly special: Vegan Spaghetti with Lentil Balls. We’re talking savory, satisfying lentil meatballs nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, all coated in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce.
From classic Italian lentil meatballs to creative chickpea and lentil meatballs, and even black lentil meatballs, there’s a lentil meatball out there for everyone. Whether you prefer fried lentil balls, lentil quinoa meatballs, or vibrant red lentil balls, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect vegan Valentine’s Day meal. Read on to discover how to make this unforgettable dish and impress your loved one with your culinary skills!
Ingredients:
For the Lentil Balls:
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (or red lentils for a sweeter flavor)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa (optional, for lentil quinoa meatballs)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti (use gluten-free if needed)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: 4 servings
Estimated Cost (US Market): $15-$20 (This is a rough estimate and can vary depending on location and store.)
Step 1: Prepare the Lentil Balls
In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils (and quinoa, if using) with a fork or potato masher until slightly chunky. Add the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
Step 2: Cook the Lentil Balls
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the lentil balls and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. You can also bake them at 375F for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the vegan spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked lentil balls to the marinara sauce and stir gently. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the cooked vegan spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and romantic Vegan Valentine’s Day dinner!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Follow these steps to enjoy your vegan spaghetti and lentil balls leftovers.
Storing Leftovers:
Lentil Balls: Store leftover lentil balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months). To freeze, arrange the cooked lentil balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
Marinara Sauce: Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Combined Dish: For the best quality, it’s recommended to store the lentil balls and marinara sauce separately. However, if you have combined the dish, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The pasta may become a bit softer upon reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
Lentil Balls:
- Skillet: Reheat lentil balls in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat lentil balls on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat lentil balls in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, this method may make them slightly less crispy.
Marinara Sauce: Reheat marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Combined Dish:
- Stovetop: Reheat the combined dish in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
- Microwave: Reheat the combined dish in the microwave, but be aware that the pasta might become softer.
Tips for Best Taste:
- For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to reheat the lentil balls and marinara sauce separately and then combine them with freshly cooked pasta.
- If you’re reheating the combined dish, adding a little fresh basil or parsley after reheating can brighten the flavors.
- If the sauce becomes too thick after reheating, add a little water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
Nutrition Facts
It’s important to understand that providing precise nutritional information for a vegan spaghetti and lentil balls recipe like this is difficult without specialized software and lab analysis. The nutritional content will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used (e.g., different types of breadcrumbs, canned tomatoes), the exact quantities of ingredients, and portion sizes. Online nutrition calculators can give you a general estimate, but they won’t be perfectly accurate.
However, I can give you a sample table with estimated nutritional information. Please treat this as an approximation and not as definitive nutritional advice.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 450-550 | ~22-28% |
| Total Fat | 15-20g | ~23-31% |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3g | ~10-15% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 600-800mg | ~25-33% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60-70g | ~20-23% |
| Dietary Fiber | 10-12g | ~40-48% |
| Total Sugars | 10-15g | |
| Added Sugars | 5-10g | ~10-20% |
| Protein | 20-25g | ~40-50% |
| Vitamin D | Varies | |
| Calcium | Varies | |
| Iron | Varies | |
| Potassium | Varies |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Important Considerations:
- Lentils: Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. The specific type of lentil used will affect the nutritional content slightly.
- Quinoa (Optional): Quinoa adds extra protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
- Breadcrumbs: The type of breadcrumbs used (e.g., whole wheat, gluten-free) will impact the fiber and carbohydrate content.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and lycopene.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil provides healthy fats.
- Serving Size: The accuracy of the nutritional information depends heavily on the accuracy of the serving size.
Disclaimer: This nutritional information is an estimate only and should not be used as a substitute for professional nutritional advice. Actual nutritional content may vary.
Dietary Information
This Vegan Valentine’s Spaghetti Marinara with Lentil Balls recipe is naturally:
Vegan: It contains no animal products.
Vegetarian: It is suitable for vegetarians.
It can be made suitable for other diets with a few modifications:
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free spaghetti. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free (e.g., some tomato products may contain gluten as a thickener).
Soy-Free: This recipe is naturally soy-free, assuming soy-free breadcrumbs are used. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.
Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free (always check your ingredient labels).
Low-Fat: While this recipe uses healthy fats from olive oil, you can reduce the fat content by using less oil for cooking the lentil balls and sauce. You could also bake the lentil balls instead of pan-frying.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and reduce or eliminate added salt in the recipe. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Important Note: While this vegan spaghetti and lentil balls recipe can be adapted for various dietary restrictions, it’s crucial to always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs. Cross-contamination during food preparation can also be a concern for individuals with severe allergies or intolerances. If you have specific dietary concerns, it’s always best to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.
History of Vegan Spaghetti & Lentils
The specific combination of vegan spaghetti marinara with lentil balls, while a popular and delicious dish, doesn’t have a singular, documented “history” in the traditional culinary sense. It’s more accurately described as a modern adaptation, born from the rise of plant-based eating and the desire for familiar comfort foods made vegan.
Lentil balls themselves have roots in various cuisines, often serving as a meatless alternative in dishes like meatballs or kofta. The marinara sauce, of course, is a classic Italian staple, though traditionally it might be served with meatballs made from meat. The fusion of these elements – the Italian-inspired marinara, the globally-influenced lentil balls, and the classic spaghetti – reflects the creative and evolving nature of food.
As veganism and vegetarianism have grown in popularity, chefs and home cooks have experimented with traditional recipes, substituting plant-based ingredients to create dishes like this one, offering a satisfying and compassionate take on a beloved meal. Recipes similar to this one have likely appeared in cookbooks, blogs, and online platforms over the past several years, further solidifying its place in the modern vegan culinary landscape.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s vegan spaghetti marinara with lentil balls offers a delicious and heartwarming way to celebrate love without compromising your values or your taste buds. It’s a testament to the fact that plant-based cuisine can be just as satisfying, flavorful, and romantic as any traditional meal. From the savory lentil balls to the rich and fragrant marinara sauce, every element of this dish comes together to create a symphony of flavors that will delight your senses.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, this vegan spaghetti and lentil balls recipe is sure to impress your loved one and create a memorable Valentine’s Day experience. So, light some candles, pour a glass of wine (or your favorite beverage), and enjoy this comforting and compassionate meal together. It’s a perfect reminder that love, like good food, is best shared.
