====== Veggie Balls ======

  *2 cups lentils
  *1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp olive oil
  *1 large onion - chopped
  *2 carrots - chopped
  *2 celery stalks - chopped
  *1 garlic clove - minced
  *1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  *2 tsp salt
  *2 Tbsp tomato paste
  *8 oz. button mushrooms - cleaned and sliced
  *3 large eggs
  *1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  *1/2 cup bread crumbs
  *1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  *1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
  
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  - Combine the lentils and 2 qut water in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are soft, but not falling apart, about 25 min. Drain the lentils and allow to cool.
  - Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to a large frying pan and saute the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme and salt over med-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 min, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown. Add the tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3 min. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 more minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the lentils to the vegetable mixture.
  - Add the eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley and walnuts to the cooled vegetables and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator for 25 min.
  - Preheat oven to 400 deg. Drizzle the remaining  2 Tbsp olive oil into a 9x13 dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
  - Roll the mixture into round, golf ball sized meatballs (about 1 1/2"), making sure to pack the vegetable mixture firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish in even rows allowing 1/4" space between the balls.
  - Roast for 30 min, or until the balls are firm and cooked through. All the balls to cool for 5 min. in the baking dish before serving. Can serve with pesto, queso gravy, or tzatziki sauce.
  

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  Serves: 12       Total cook time: 45 min.
  Source: NYT cooking app
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{{tag>food side}}