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5.0 from 9 votes

Walnut Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

These delicious walnut meatballs are so versatile and can be served however you like (my fav is with tzatziki).

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 3 Servings
Calories: 378 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil divided
  • 1 small white onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp. umami spice
  • 1 tbsp. oregano
  • 1 tbsp. thyme
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 1/4 cup vegan feta
  • 1/4 cup chickpeas rice, or lentils
  • 1/2 cup walnuts pulsed to ground meat in the food processor
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • 1/4 cup panko
  • handful fresh dill chopped
  • Serve with 1 cup Tzatziki

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Premake your Tzatziki sauce by following the recipe instructions and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before enjoying. It is best enjoyed after an overnight sit in the fridge. Note, it will continue to increase in flavor as it marinates.
  2. In a medium pot, add 1 tbsp. olive oil and gently cook your onions and garlic on medium heat for 5 minutes.  Stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. To the pot, add all your seasoning and spices.  Stir till all the onions and garlic are coated with the seasonings/spices.  Cook for 2 minutes before adding the capers and feta.  Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
  4. To the pot, add the chickpeas, rice, or lentils (or a combination) and cook/heat for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the mixture from the pot and place it into a large mixing bowl. To the mixing bowl, add the panko and dill.
  6. To the same saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium heat and then cook down your walnut ground for at least 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  To incorporate all those beautiful flavours built up at the base on the pot, deglaze with lemon juice and stir/scrape aggressively to clear the base on the pot.
  7. Transfer the walnuts to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients and stir to combine.  Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before forming balls.
  8. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Now you can form the "meatballs". I used a 1 1/2 tbsp. ice cream scoop to measure the size. I then rolled them and placed them on the baking sheet.  Cook them for 35-40 minutes, flipping and turning at least twice to avoid any burning.
  10. Serve with fresh salad, grains, tzatziki or even as a part of a platter!

Notes

  • Storage: Place the balls in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also, bake, seal and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.  You can also premake, not bake and store in the freezer for up to two months.  Cook them in a preheated 350F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes or until golden. Make sure you flip and move to avoid burning.
  • Pre-make: If you want to premake the recipe I suggest making the recipe up till the baking step.  Have them rolled and prepped in the fridge before baking.  You can do this up to 48 hours in advance.
  • Servings: This recipe serves 3 as a main meal but around 5-6 as an appetizer.  Truthfully, I suggest doubling this recipe.  They're that good.
  • Oil: If you prefer to make this recipe oil-free, then simply use water or vegetable stock to cook/steam the ingredients like the onions/garlic and walnuts. I recommend 3-4 tbsp. water or stock to replace the 1 tbsp. olive oil.
  • Seasonings/Spices: This recipe is quite versatile, so if you prefer or fancy other herbs/spices then we encourage you to have fun and play around with those ingredients.
  • Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko crumbs.
  • Feta: Vegan feta is completely optional.  If you prefer or aren't vegan, regular feta is fine!

Nutrition Information

Serving 3 Calories 378kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 32.1g (11%) Protein 11.4g (23%) Fat 25.8g (40%) Saturated Fat 4.7g (24%) Polyunsaturated Fat 10.7g Sodium 1229.5mg (51%) Fiber 5.7g (23%) Sugar 5.1g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 378

% Daily Value*

Serving 3
Calories 378kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 32.1g 11%
Protein 11.4g 23%
Fat 25.8g 40%
Saturated Fat 4.7g 24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.7g 63%
Sodium 1229.5mg 51%
Fiber 5.7g 23%
Sugar 5.1g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.