Walnut Meatballs - Vegan and Gluten free

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:

• In a medium pot, add 1 tbsp. olive oil. Cook your onions and garlic on medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

• Add all seasoning and spices to the pot. Stir untill onions and garlic are coated with the seasonings/spices. Cook for 2 minutes then add capers and vegan feta. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.

• Add the chickpeas, rice, or lentils (or a combination) and cook/heat for 5 minutes.

• Remove mixture from the pot and place it into a large mixing bowl but save the pot you were using. Add the Panko and dill to the mixing bowl.

• To the same saucepan you were using, 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 the flavors in the pot, deglaze with lemon juice and stir/scrape aggressively to clear the base on the pot.

• 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.

• Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Now you can form the “meatballs”.

• Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping and turning at least twice to avoid any burning.