Easy Baked Vegan Lentil Meatballs

Name: Easy Baked Vegan Lentil Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced and divided; 2.8 ounces rolled oats; 14 ounces cooked brown lentils, or approximately 2 cans, drained and rinsed as needed; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon tamari; 1.5 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste