Bread-Free Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1, 8oz package cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups stemmed kale leaves
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 (14-ounce) can lentils, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup walnut halves, toasted (if desired)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp dried rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh, minced)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon ground flax
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
  • ¾ + ¼ teaspoons fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp pepper, or to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Tear the kale into large pieces, removing veins, and place into food processor. Pulse (do not process) the kale until finely chopped, being careful not to over process it. Remove and place into a bowl for later.

Add the oil to a large pot and turn heat to medium. Finely chop the mushrooms until they’re roughly the size of peas. Add chopped mushrooms to the pot along with minced garlic and ¼ tsp salt. Stir until combined. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the water from the mushrooms cooks off, reducing heat to low if necessary to prevent burning. Add the herbs and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the kale and chopped cranberries, and then turn off heat.

To the processor (no need to clean it out!), add the rolled oats. Process the oats until they’re finely chopped and resemble coarse flour, about 30 seconds.

Add the drained lentils and walnuts to the processor bowl with the oat flour. Pulse the mixture, stopping to check on it every few pulses, until it’s coarsely chopped. Be sure not to over process it into a paste as you still want a lot of texture and crunchy walnut pieces. Set aside.

Stir the flax and water together in a small cup.

Now add all of the food processor contents, sherry vinegar, and flax mixture to the pot with the mushrooms, kale and cranberries. Stir until thoroughly combined. The dough should be heavy and dense. Add ¾ tsp salt and pepper.

With lightly wet hands, shape and roll about 15 balls, roughly 3 to 4 tablespoons of dough each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.

Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, until golden on the bottom and firm to touch. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.

*Leftover balls can be refrigerated in an airtight container for a few days. To reheat, spray a non-stick skillet and “fry” over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until heated through.

Makes 15 servings
Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball

Calories 93
Fat 5.4g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 234mg
Potassium 86mg
Carbohydrate 10g
Fiber 2.3g
Sugar 2.3g
Protein 3.3g

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Monica Garcia
October 21, 2026
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Dr. Bermudez is a great person; he makes you feel comfortable and valued, and he is always looking for ways to help. Having the surgery was a fantastic decision that completely changed my life for the better.
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Miranda Bell
September 22, 2026
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Dr. Lindsay Sharpe is the best. His bed side manner is extraordinarily exceptional. He listens to your concerns. His recommendation for the best surgical procedure is geniune and authentically honest. He is detailed oriented ensuring that patients are fully informed and understand the before, during, and after care required; as well as, any risks that could occur, which is typical for any type surgery performed. His professionalism, bedside manner, and dedication to a healthier "you" is outstanding and award winning. He is truly a gifted and talented medical doctor. I feel a higher power than I brought him into my medical journey. Dr. Sharpe my prayers for you are that God continues to keep his hands upon you and bless you beyond your greatest expectations!❤️🙏🏽❤️
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Tracy Anderson
July 29, 2026
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Roxanne Peroni
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I am so happy with this office. Doctor Ng was wonderful as is his staff. My surgery went well and I’m so glad I did it.
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Nell Nava
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Staff are professional but personable. Wait time is usually pretty good. Doctors and PAs are very knowledgeable.
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Dr. Sharp is amazing! The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable! He takes time to explain and answer any questions… only thing I would change would be the difficulty of getting someone on the phone. I usually result to online scheduling or messaging.
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Jessica Rademacher
January 26, 2026
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Dr sharp is the best . He did my surgery on October 17th 2022 and ever since then I’ve been doing great . He always explains things to me listening to my questions and concerns . He always makes me feel at ease no matter the situation even when I feel I’m doing terrible even though I’m not he always makes encouraging me and saying how proud I should be of myself and how proud he is of me and how great I’m doing. I honestly used to dread going to the dr and getting weighed on the scale now I look forward to when I have to go see Dr sharp and his team they are always so awesome and always patient with me . I lost over 100 lbs since he did my surgery and still working to lose more I’d give Rex bariatric more then five stars if I could . I’d recommend them to anyone looking into bariatric surgery go see Dr Lindsey sharp he is awesome and you won’t regret it . I’m looking forward to to my upcoming appointment with him
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Chris Custodio
January 13, 2026
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†KEVIN M RODRIGUEZ† († †)
December 30, 2025
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I had my gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Dustin Bermúdez at UNC Rex on July 1st 2025, but my journey with him and his team started back in October 2024. Since then, my life has completely transformed—I’ve lost 150 pounds already & still working out to keep losing more & achieve my goal weight. I feel happier and healthier than ever. Best decision I’ve made! Dr. Bermúdez has been incredible throughout the entire process. He guided me every step of the way, providing the best tools and support to help me achieve not just weight loss, but also a true reconciliation with myself. His professionalism, care, and dedication are unmatched. I also want to thank all the nurses and medical staff who made this surgery such a success. A special thanks to Nurse Natasha (navigator nurse) & Miss Lauren Hawley (nutritionist), both were always attentive and supportive during my entire process. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Bermúdez and the entire UNC Rex Bariatric team for changing my life.
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Chris McCarty
November 26, 2025
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My personal experience with Rex Surgical Specialists has been exceptional. I have been treated with professionalism, courtesy, and shown the utmost respect. The staff has gone above and beyond to take care of me before, during surgery, and throughout my aftercare. I have moved forward with leaps and bounds during my recovery due to all of their advice and suggestions to improve my quality of care throughout my recovery period. I would recommend them to anyone looking to take the next step in weight loss and a healthier lifestife.
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Tony Sullivan
September 7, 2025
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Fantastic experience all around! Dr. Bermudez was kind, professional, and explained more in 5 minutes than Wayne Memorial Hospital did in 9 days. The office was like clockwork and were always friendly! Definitely recommending everyone that has to have things done Bariatric wise, go see Dr. Bermudez!
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Danielle Shevack
July 9, 2025
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Truthfully it's complicated. Nobody goes into surgery cuz of the heart. It's either the money or they want to cut I get it. Communication from the front office and the doctors at the time of the appointment. Phone calls messaging on point, accurate five stars. Prompt, professional and always have the answers and seemingly the solutions. But I'm five surgeries deep & finding that the problem is a constant loop of endless surgeries. Got advice from a third party doctor who quickly reviewed my history but is not a specialist in this field. I scheduled a second opinion with Duke bariatrics later this month and will update according. Again customer service is great and I still have hope, I'm wondering if I'm in too deep And unfortunately my body picked a short straw, or if something was missed or inaccurately performed or whatever down the line. I'll be honest because of the prompt response and amazing customer service and addressing all my concerns including after hours and the complicated patient I've been. I feel guilty about seeking a second opinion but after the doctor explained it in simple terms (four surgeries at the time. Almost a month fresh on my 5th) deserves a second opinion no matter what.) Will update after the review, I understand nobody is 100% perfect and beyond the amount of surgeries and complications including loss of work, income etc. I will say five stars for communication, listening, addressing and seemingly finding a solution. Hopefully I am cracked and that assumption and the second opinion confirms it.
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April 21, 2025
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FitnessB
January 13, 2025
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I read a review with 2 stars, about malnutrition not enough protein, well my review will stress the importance of the whole process, and the importance the WHOLE staff stresses on post op. Rex Bariactrics is a whole process on food, supplements, exercise, mental health and overall wellness. This is the most comprehensive surgery process and the staff is top notch. I was over 280 pounds and after a year I am now 160 pounds. I did and continue to do exactly what the professionals have taught me. I have never felt so well and physically in the best shape I have ever been. Who was my surgeon- Dr. Bermudez. Dr. Bermudez and his staff are beyond exceptional. I cannot express in words how grateful, thankful and blessed I am to have had Dr. Bermudez has my surgeon, advocate and healthcare professional. His staff is equally amazingly supportive and knowledgeable. I had planned on this surgery years ago and had an inner gut feeling about other surgeons and never proceeded. I could not be where I am today without the jump start and help with Dr. Bermudez staff. Even after a year if I ever contact the office I get a response immediately with correct correspondence. Happy New Year to Dr. Bermudez and his staff, I am forever grateful to have you in my life.
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Jesse Duran
January 6, 2025
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Review for Rex Bariatrics I have been a patient at Rex Bariatrics, and my experience has been very positive overall. My first impression during check-in and waiting was average, but the technician who took my visuals stood out for being incredibly sweet and sincere. Before meeting the bariatric surgeon, they provide an informative video explaining the procedures they offer, which helps set expectations. My first impression of Dr. Sharp was that he was straightforward and efficient. While they see many patients and time is managed carefully, I never felt rushed. Visiting Rex Bariatrics feels similar to going to the dentist—you already have a problem and are there to fix it. Dr. Sharp gets straight to the point, discussing the procedure you are considering and addressing any risks, which are explained thoroughly in the video. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sharp to perform my surgery, and I am glad I did. They also provide mandatory nutritional and psychological classes to help with the transition to a healthier lifestyle, which I found invaluable. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the support and guidance they offer. My experience at Rex Hospital was also excellent. The staff were friendly and caring. I stayed overnight for observation and was discharged 24 hours later with everything I needed for recovery. Of course, they make sure you’re ready before discharging you, even if it takes longer. I would highly recommend Rex Bariatrics and Dr. Sharp to my friends. Thank you to the entire team for helping me through this journey!