BBQ Lentil Balls is made with simple plant-based ingredients of lentils, rice, and mushrooms! Servings 5 servings (makes app. 20 medium lentil balls, 5 lentil balls per serving)

1 tablespoon vegan butter 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided ½ medium onion, chopped 2 cups sliced mushrooms (16-ounce package) 2 cups of cooked lentils, divided note 4 1 cup cooked brown rice note 3 ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried basil ⅔ cup instant oats ½ cup breadcrumbs handful parsley and cilantro 2 tablespoons vegan worcestershire ¼ cup Vegan BBQ Sauce ½ teaspoon liquid smoke ½ - 1 cup extra Vegan BBQ Sauce

Add vegan butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables are fully translucent. Once cooked turn off the heat and set aside.
Take half your lentils and add to a food processor along with your cooked mushrooms and onions. Process until just combined. The mixture will be wet and sticky. It should hold and bind together without a problem.
Take your mixture and add it to a large mixing bowl. Next the other half of your lentils, cooked rice, sea salt, garlic powder, basil, instant oats, breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, vegan worcestershire, bbq sauce, and liquid smoke. Mix together until fully combined.
PAN FRYING INSTRUCTIONS
Start to form your lentil balls placing them in a bowl. (I use an ice cream scooper to scoop out mixture). Grab a large 15 inch cast iron pan (or whatever skillet you have on), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, place, balls in a pan and heat all the way through for about 2 minutes on each side. The lentil balls will form a caramelized coating on each side. Do not leave unattended.
Add ½ to 1 cup of Vegan BBQ Sauce to the pan and turn down the heat. Make sure you coat every lentil ball and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.
BAKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Start to form your lentil balls placing each one on a pan lined with parchment paper. (I use an ice cream scopper to scoop out mixture).
Brush lentil meatballs with 1 tablespoon of oil (this will help them get that caramelized color as if you were pan-frying them) and extra barbecue sauce (as much as you like).
Place in the oven for about 20 minutes total. After 10 minutes, flipped them on the other side for an even cook. You can brush on an extra layer of BBQ sauce if you like and finish baking.
Once fully cooked, take out the oven and allow it to cool. Serve with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.