Be sure to look after your vegetarian and vegan friends and family with these easy vegan beet balls. Easy to make ahead of time, these beetballs make a great meatball alternative and pair just as well with a side of ketchup for easy vegetarian snacking.
Easy Beet Balls
It is always nice to have some meat-free party food on hand when entertaining.
You never know who is vegetarian, vegan, or just avoiding meat.
Plus it makes a nice change from the standard chicken wings, chip, and dip fare you tend to find at gatherings.
If you want some more veggie-centric ideas for entertaining why not try these out:
- How To Make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
- Feta and Pumpkin Phyllo (Filo) Savory Hand Pies
- Whipped Feta Dip
The above recipes are easy to share, and always go down a treat.
These beet balls are easy to make and can be made ahead of time, which is always great when entertaining.
Ingredients
Although they are different from standard entertaining food, these meatball alternatives don't require any out-of-the-ordinary ingredients.
You will need:
- vegetable broth: homemade or store bought is fine;
- brown lentils: we use uncooked lentils for this recipe, but if you only have cooked that is fine, just sub them in and skip to cooking step;
- dried thyme: you can use fresh thyme if preferred, but you will need to double the amount used;
- bulgur wheat: this can be found in the health food section of the grocery store;
- brown onion;
- beets: you can use fresh beets and roast them yourself, or buy the pre cooked beets to save on time and effort;
- avocado oil: feel free to sub in another cooking oil of choice;
- tomato sauce;
- quick cooking oats: do not use regular rolled oats here unless you plan on blitzing them into smaller pieces in a blender first, as they will not cook as well, and will be too chunky in the small beet balls;
- smoked paprika;
- dried oregano: you can sub in fresh herbs if preferred, but again you will need to double the amout used;
- salt and pepper.
TIP: To save on time you can always use pre-cooked lentils and beets.
How To Serve
These are actually quite versatile, and can be served up in any of the ways you would normally serve up a meatball.
I love to serve mine alongside some smoked jalapeno poppers.
Why not try:
- serving with some tomato ketchup or aioli;
- throw together in a salad with some arugula, pickles, tomatoes and a mustardy dressing;
- use instead of meatballs in a spaghetti bolognese;
- serve sub style in a sub with a chunky tomatoe sauce and some melted cheese;
- use in a salad wrap.
Any other ideas of how to serve?
Be free to leave a comment and I will add your ideas to the list.
Happy Eating
xx
Recipe
Beet Balls
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Ingredients
- 2 cups homemade vegetable broth store bought is fine also
- ½ cup brown lentils uncooked
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup uncooked bulgur wheat
- 1 small finely minced brown onion
- ½ lb beets peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- â…” cup quick cooking oats
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the broth, lentils and thyme in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer, uncovered, for 35 mins2 cups homemade vegetable broth, ½ cup brown lentils, 1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Add in the bulgur, give a quick stir, and pop the lid on. Set aside for 20 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed½ cup uncooked bulgur wheat
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and spray with coconut oil
- Add all other ingredients to the lentil mixture, and stir to combine. Keep mixing until the mixture resembles a moist dough - you may need to get in and get your hands dirty here, depending on how juicy your beets are1 small finely minced brown onion, ½ lb beets, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, ⅔ cup quick cooking oats, 2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste
- Using a cookie scoop (if you have one - otherwise just use a tablespoon and form into a ball with moistened hands), scoop balls of the dough onto the parchment lined tray
- Spray the balls with a little bit more coconut oil and bake for 30 minutes. The balls should be a little bit crunchy on the outside, and really hot on the inside. Remove from the oven, and serve with your favourite dipping sauce
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Corey says
Great with spaghetti and pesto !
Jennifer Quintavalle says
I tried these tonight. Loved them!! Thank you!
Donna1 says
Oh yay, I am so glad you loved them. Thanks for popping by to let me know 🙂
Aga says
Would it work with cooked beets? I hate peeling them raw (soooo much lost blood 😉
Donna1 says
I haven't tried it with cooked beets but I am sure it would work just fine 🙂 Let me know how you go!!
The-FoodTrotter says
Your recipe is very interesting, I mean normally balls sounds more meaty but why not go vegan! That's perfect beacuse I've a friend coming soon and she's vegan... Ithing your beet-balls are going to be on the table 🙂
Donna1 says
Yeah I like to switch it up 🙂 Plus if I make it into a ball shape, the kids are more likely to eat it 🙂 To make them into a great meal just throw them into a salad with some arugula, pickles, tomatoes and a mustardy sauce - so good! I hope your friend enjoys!
Collette says
These look VERY interesting- I have never seen anything like them! I'm always searching for new beet recipes!
Donna1 says
They are quite delicious! I use beet in everything these days, and they work really well here
Tamara says
I posted a beet recipe this week as well! I always look forward to beet season. Your beetballs are so clever, your photos are stunning, and I loved this post! I'm going to be entertaining 6 vegetarians in 2 weeks, and this may show up as an appetizer... Pinning!
Donna1 says
Oh yay 🙂 I love beets, and am always trying to come up with new ways of serving them! I will be sure to pop over to your site and check out your beet love 🙂
Tracy | Baking Mischief says
Your story of your first game day made me cringe. I can only imagine trying to get through an afternoon like that with your sanity intact.
I'm sure your vegetarian friends will be thrilled come game day! These look so good. I love the deep, beautiful color of beet dishes. Your morning smoothies must be eye-popping!
Donna1 says
Oh my goodness, it was horrible! In hindsight, it was actually hilarious, but at the time, chasing a small child and two dogs all around the house, while the other child wanted to feed, for like two hours straight...not fun! Beets just make the most amazing coloured dishes!
Ange @ Little Kitchen Blue says
As a committeed carnivore only recently converted to the joy of beetroot I can honestly say these sound awesome. Pinning
Donna1 says
Haha, you sound exactly like my husband 🙂 He resisted for a long, long time....but now asks for the veggie version for dinner (a huge win!)
Immaculate says
Beet Balls? WOW!!! Really impressive , I have never come across one before. Love all the flavors you have going on in here. Your Vegan friends would go crazy over this. Nice!
Donna1 says
They are pretty delicious 🙂 Especially dipped in some sauce.
Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says
This is perfect! I've been on a beets phase so I totally see these beet balls in my near future! 🙂
Donna1 says
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
What a great idea for vegetarians! Im not even vegetarian or vegan and I like veggie based meat alternatives way better than regular ones! Im sure these beet balls are no different!
Donna1 says
I am the same Bethany - not a vegetarian, but 9 times out of 10 I will go for the veggie option! Especially if there are beets involved of course 🙂
Jenn says
I love beets but would never, ever have come up with such a unique way to use them. Awesome idea!
Donna1 says
Haha thanks Jenn 🙂 These ones were actually guided by my 3yo in the kitchen, as she loves beets and lentils, and wanted them in something together, and I wanted something easy for the 1 yo to hold (that also wouldn't turn everything he touched purple)....random I know, but they worked!