Best 4 Veggie Balls Recipes

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Are you seeking a healthier and delectable alternative to traditional meatballs? Look no further! Veggie balls, also known as vegetarian balls or vegan meatballs, are not only a nutritious choice but also a culinary delight. They offer a burst of flavors, a perfect balance of texture, and ample opportunities for customization. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian, a flexitarian exploring plant-based options, or simply seeking variety in your diet, this comprehensive guide will lead you through the art of crafting the perfect veggie balls. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, we'll provide everything you need to create mouthwatering veggie balls that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure, discover new flavors, and enjoy the goodness of veggie balls!

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

VEGGIE BALLS



Veggie Balls image

The staff at The Meatball Shop in Manhattan eat these around the clock. You'll often find them at the bar with a big bowl of these and a side of steamed or sautéed spinach. You can also top with Spinach-Basil Pesto. And when it comes to kids, this is a great and tasty way to sneak in more veggies.

Provided by Tara Parker-Pope

Time 2h15m

Yield About 2 dozen 1 1/2-inch meatballs.

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups lentils
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons tomato paste
8 ounces button mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
3 large eggs
1/2 cup grated rennet-free Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils and 2 quarts water in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are soft but not falling apart, about 25 minutes. Drain the lentils and allow to cool.
  • Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to a large frying pan and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme and salt over medium- high heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown. Add the tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 more minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the lentils to the vegetable mixture.
  • Add the eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley and walnuts to the cooled vegetables and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator for 25 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
  • Roll the mixture into round, golf ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the vegetable mixture firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, allowing 1/4-inch of space between the balls and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid.
  • Roast for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. Allow the meatballs to cool for 5 minutes in the baking dish before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 125, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 136 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

VEGGIE BALLS



Veggie Balls image

Provided by Daniel Holzman

Categories     Mushroom     Appetizer     Bake     Super Bowl     Vegetarian     Lentil     Party     Sugar Conscious     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes about 2 dozen 1 1/2-inch balls

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups lentils
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons tomato paste
8 ounces Button Mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
3 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils and 2 quarts water in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are soft (but not falling apart), about 25 minutes. Drain the lentils and allow to cool.
  • Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to a large frying pan and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown. Add the tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 more minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the lentils to the vegetable mixture.
  • Add the eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, and walnuts to the cooled vegetable mixture and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator for 25 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
  • Roll the mixture into round, golf ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the vegetable mixture firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, allowing 1/4-inch of space between the balls and place them in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid.
  • Roast for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through.
  • Allow the meatballs to cool for 5 minutes in the baking dish before serving.

VEGGIE RICE BALLS



Veggie Rice Balls image

Make and share this Veggie Rice Balls recipe from Food.com.

Provided by najwa

Categories     Rice

Time 50m

Yield 10 balls, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup lentils
1/4 cup rice
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup chopped mushroom
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped and steamed cauliflower
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
3 -5 drops liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon crushed hot pepper
1/3 cup oatmeal
1/4 teaspoon garlic and herb seasoning (no salt)

Steps:

  • Cook rice and lentils until soft, about 1/2 an hour.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet sprayed with non stick cooking spray (or oil), cook onions until tender.
  • Add the rest of the veggies and cook until very soft, about 20-25 minutes, adding water if needed.
  • In a large bowl, combine hot rice and lentils with veggies, mash well.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Form into 10 rice balls, or 4 patties to make veggie burgers, and refrigerate for 1/2 an hour.
  • Fry in oil, turning frequently.
  • Serve warm.
  • I make veggie burgers and serve with a green salad.

VEGGIE BALLS



VEGGIE BALLS image

Categories     Vegetable

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups lentils
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons tomato paste
8 ounces Button Mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
3 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils and 2 quarts water in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are soft (but not falling apart), about 25 minutes. Drain the lentils and allow to cool. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to a large frying pan and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown. Add the tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 more minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the lentils to the vegetable mixture. Add the eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, and walnuts to the cooled vegetable mixture and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator for 25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside. Roll the mixture into round, gold ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the vegetable mixture firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, allowing 1/4-inch of space between the balls and place them in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. Allow the meatballs to cool for 5 minutes in the baking dish before serving.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before starting, gather and measure all ingredients and equipment. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Properly Season: Don't be afraid to season your veggie balls well. A combination of herbs, spices, and salt will bring out their flavor.
  • Chill the Veggie Mixture: Chilling the veggie mixture before forming it into balls helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
  • Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy texture to the veggie balls.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying the veggie balls, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
  • Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the veggie balls with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara, tzatziki, or ranch dressing.

Conclusion:

Veggie balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With a variety of recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a veggie ball recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, give veggie balls a try!

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