Spaghetti and 'Meat' Balls Recipe - Los Angeles Times

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup everyday extra-virgin olive oil, plus more
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 8 ounces roasted or steamed beets (1 1/2 cups), patted dry if needed
• 1 cup steamed lentils, drained if needed
• 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg white
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)