meatballs

“By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Kikkoman and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”

As I have mentioned in past posts, spaghetti and meatballs is a big deal in this house and I have my tried and true meatballs and sauce recipes that I use whenever it is on the meal plan. I have made them so many times that I can knock it out in about 45 minutes, which isn’t too bad, but when the opportunity to play around with Kikkoman Soy Sauce came up and I was brainstorming what sorts of recipes I would like to make easier for myself (and you!), the first dish that popped into my head was spaghetti and meatballs….

When I was growing up I always hated lentils. I thought they were bland and heavy and gross. And, to be totally honest, even today if someone tells me they are serving lentils I cringe just a little bit. But since discovering the joys of Dal (Indian-style lentils) and lentil pasta dishes, I have started to come around to being a fan. Here’s what I love about lentils: they are a great, cheap, and easy-to-cook source of protein. There are many different varieties, so you have to be careful you are buying the right kind, but that wide variety also means that there are lots of different things you can do with them, which is fun!

The trick with lentils, in my opinion, is that you have to help them in the flavor department. They offer a great base on which to build flavor with herbs, spices, vinegars, onions, garlic, and/or lemon, but skip that step and you are facing a big bowl of bland.

So if, like me, you are dubious about lentils or if you haven’t cooked much with them but are curious, this recipe may be a great introduction for you because it uses lots of seasonings to bring a punch and depth of flavor to your meal. Plus it is super easy to make, and fun to do with kids (they love forming the balls)….

The Balanced Kitchen

Time for food. Time for Life.

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