Delicious Vegetarian Porcupine Meatball Soup

Vegetarian Porcupine Meatball Soup swaps out meat for lentils while keeping the comforting elements of rice, vegetables, and a rich broth. This soup is full of flavor and texture, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a nourishing, plant-based meal.

This plant-based twist on the classic porcupine meatball soup features lentils and rice instead of ground meat. The rice still creates the signature “porcupine quills,” and the lentils provide a hearty, nutritious base. It’s a protein-packed vegetarian alternative that’s perfect for those looking for a meat-free option.

Vegetarian Porcupine Meatball Soup

Vegetarian Porcupine Meatball Soup swaps out meat for lentils while keeping the comforting elements of rice, vegetables, and a rich broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup, Vegetarian

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 egg or flax egg for vegan
• 1/2 onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, uncooked rice, egg, onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
• Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lentil-rice balls and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
• Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

- For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- You can add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

Keyword hearty meal, lentil meatballs, plant-based, porcupine soup, vegetarian comfort food, Vegetarian soup

Nutrition (per serving) :

– Calories: 250
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Protein: 10g
– Fat: 7g
– Sodium: 540mg
– Fiber: 8g

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @cookwithexperts on Instagram and hashtag it #cookwithexperts.