VEGETARIAN MEATBALLS
Seasoned with Parmesan, ricotta, fennel seeds and oregano, these meat-free Italian meatballs capture all the flavors of the classic. Cremini mushrooms and chickpeas mimic the texture of ground beef, bulgur helps bind the mixture together, and ricotta keeps it tender. The balls are rolled in a light coating of bread crumbs and Parmesan that crisps as it bakes, but if you prefer a saucy meatball, skip the coating and simply bake until firm, then simmer in marinara. Any extra coating mixture can be toasted in the oven and sprinkled over roasted veggies or creamy pastas. Leftover meatballs can be frozen and reheated in a 425-degree oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Provided by Kay Chun
Categories dinner, snack, finger foods, meatballs, vegetables, appetizer, main course, side dish
Time 50m
Yield 24 meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bring 1/4 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the bulgur, remove from heat, cover and let sit until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, pressing to remove excess water, then let cool.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the oil, 1/2 cup bread crumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan; mix until well blended and crumbly. Set aside.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a food processor, pulse garlic until finely chopped. Add mushrooms, and pulse until chopped, with pea-size pieces remaining (do not purée). Transfer to a large bowl. Add the chickpeas to the food processor, pulse, then add them to the mushrooms. Add the remaining 1/3 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan, plus the bulgur, egg, ricotta, fennel seeds, oregano, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon water; mix until well blended.
- Form the meatball mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (you should have about 24). Roll meatballs in the coating, pressing gently to adhere, then arrange on a greased baking sheet. Bake, turning halfway through, until golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce, for dipping.
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Mabry Marcos
[email protected]These meatballs are a great addition to any pasta dish. They're also really good on their own as a snack.
Wanangwe Chris
[email protected]I was really impressed with these meatballs. They were so easy to make and they tasted amazing. I will definitely be making them again.
ahmed mokhtar
[email protected]These meatballs are a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet. They're also really delicious!
Seth Owen
[email protected]I've never been a big fan of vegetarian meatballs, but these ones are really good! They have a great flavor and texture.
Amanda Cupido
[email protected]These meatballs are a great make-ahead meal. I usually make a big batch on the weekend and then reheat them throughout the week.
Vincent Collard
[email protected]I love that these meatballs are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. They're also really versatile - you can serve them with spaghetti, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
Hhd Ffhh
[email protected]These meatballs are a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables without them even realizing it!
Johnathan Alexander
[email protected]I've been looking for a good vegetarian meatball recipe for a while, and this one is definitely it! They're so easy to make and they taste amazing.
Smart Watch
[email protected]These meatballs are a great meatless option for pasta night. They're also really easy to make.
Halo Rayne
[email protected]I'm not a vegetarian, but I love these meatballs! They're so flavorful and satisfying.
Pure Favour
[email protected]These meatballs are a great way to use up leftover vegetables. I always have a bunch of veggies that are about to go bad, so I throw them into these meatballs and they're delicious!
Lusiba Musa
[email protected]I was skeptical about how good these meatballs would be, but I was pleasantly surprised! They were really delicious and had a great texture.
Brenda Schroyer
[email protected]These meatballs are amazing! I've made them several times now and they always turn out perfect. They're a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.
Ricky Mitchell
[email protected]I made these meatballs for a party and they were a huge success! Everyone raved about them. They were so flavorful and moist.
Mehide Hasan Sifat
[email protected]These vegetarian meatballs were a hit with my family! They were so easy to make and had a delicious flavor. I served them with spaghetti and marinara sauce, and everyone loved them.