Lamb Tofu Meatballs

Half-Meat Meatballs!

Some say meat, others say plants – we say BOTH! We love adding more plant-based options to our weekly rotation, but sometimes the family just wants some meat. So, why not do a little bit of both? These meatballs feature lamb AND tofu – so you can enjoy the meaty flavors with a little plant-based twist.

A plant-based diet doesn’t necessarily mean going full-on vegan. This recipe uses half of a plant-based protein (tofu) mixed with half of an animal-based protein (lamb) to create a delicious, balanced meal. Tofu certainly has a reputation for being bland (and, admittedly, plain tofu IS bland). Mixing tofu with animal meat, rich sauces, or flavorful spices will help make it taste delicious. In this recipe, the tofu absorbs the flavors from the lamb and spices – so you don’t even know it’s there! Try this recipe and see what you think – you might be surprised just how much you can like tofu!

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Tofu Meatballs: Appetizers

Serve these meatballs on skewers with a tasty dip! Try our Lemon Dill Aioli, Green Chile Mayonnaise, Chipotle Mayonnaise!

Tofu Meatballs: Meals

Wrap: Serve one serving meatballs inside two Socca Wraps (Always Delicious pg. 202), stuffed with 1 portion Cauliflower Couscous (Always Delicious pg. 211), 1/2 tomato (chopped), 1/3 cup roasted chickpeas, and a tablespoon of Tzatziki (Always Delicious pg. 304) (53% Fat, 25% Carbohydrate, 22% Protein, 630 Calories).

“Pasta”: Serve one serving meatballs over 2 cups zucchini noodles that have been sautéed in 1 teaspoon olive oil. Top with 3/4 cup marinara sauce blended with 1/2 cup white beans and 1/4 cup cottage cheese (48% Fat, 29% Carbohydrate, 23% Protein, 650 Calories).

Stuffed Sweet Potato (P2 with P1 ratios): Serve one serving meatballs over 1 medium sweet potato (dry roasted and sliced in half). Top with 1/4 recipe (about 1/2 cup) Thai Peanut Sauce (Always Hungry? pg. 262), 1/4 cup edamame (cooked), and steamed vegetables of choice (52% Fat, 27% Carbohydrate, 21% Protein, 640 Calories).

How do you incorporate plant-based ideas into your own recipe repertoire? Comment your ideas below or share your favorite recipes in our Facebook Group. We always love to see what you’ve been cooking.

Looking to Incorporate more Plant-Based and Vegetarian Meals into your Weekly Rotation?

Check out our downloadable meal planning classes. Each class comes with an eBook including a Specialized One-Week Meal Plan and Prep Sheet, or Specialized Recipes, as well as Additional Resources prepared by Chef Dawn Ludwig and Chef Kenzie Osborne. Each class also has the option to add-on downloadable presentation slides for more recipes and extra resources.

Browse Classes and Register Here

Italian Lamb Tofu Meatballs

Chef Dawn Ludwig

Lamb Meatballs with a plant-based twist. I like adding more plant-based options to our daily meals, but sometimes the family just wants some meat. So, I did a bit of both today.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Meat

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb
½ lb firm tofu, pressed gently with an absorbent towel, then crumbled
½ tsp salt
1 tsp each: fennel seeds, oregano, basil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
1 egg
1-2 tsp oil, for frying

Instructions

Mash all ingredients together until well combined.
Heat 1-2 teaspoons oil on low heat in a skillet with a lid.
Form the mixture into balls.
Arrange in the skillet, cover, and cook on medium heat until done on one side (about 8 minutes).
Turn, and cook on the other side until done. (About 8 minutes).
Remove meatballs to a plate.
Reduce remaining liquid, uncovered, stirring regularly until it is a thick sauce.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and serve.

Notes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Fat: 19g

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrates: 1g

Calories: 240

Full Meal

Nutrition (Full Meal)

Serve one serving meatballs inside two Socca Wraps, stuffed with 1 portion Cauliflower Couscous (Always Delicious pg. 211), 1/2 tomato (chopped), 1/3 cup roasted chickpeas, and a tablespoon of Tzatziki (Always Delicious pg. 304)

Fat: 53%

Protein: 22%

Carbohydrates: 25%

Calories: 630

Keyword Meat