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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Chuol Lony
[email protected]I've never been a fan of vegetarian meatballs, but these ones are actually really good.
Hamza Vlog
[email protected]These meatballs are a great way to use up leftover rice.
Johnny Sego
[email protected]I love that these meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. It makes them a great option for busy weeknights.
Lucas Maia
[email protected]These meatballs are a great way to sneak vegetables into your kids' diet.
Sobia Naz
[email protected]I'm not a vegetarian, but I really enjoyed these meatballs. They're a great alternative to traditional meatballs.
Samuel Tibebu
[email protected]These meatballs are so flavorful and moist. I love the combination of spices.
Arman Shah
[email protected]I've made these meatballs several times and they're always a hit. They're a great way to get my kids to eat their vegetables.
Kat Joyner
[email protected]These meatballs are a great source of protein and fiber. They're also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Kwesi Kwesi
[email protected]I love that these meatballs are baked instead of fried. It makes them a healthier option.
Drmasood Kumbhar
[email protected]These meatballs are so easy to make and they're a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Cute Parri
[email protected]I've been making these meatballs for years and they're always a crowd-pleaser. They're perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
Whitney Anunga
[email protected]I made these meatballs for a potluck and they were a big hit. Everyone raved about how delicious they were.
Joan Abbas
[email protected]These meatballs were a great way to get my kids to eat more vegetables. They loved the taste and didn't even realize they were eating healthy.
Ishrat Khan
[email protected]I was skeptical about these meatballs at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. They were delicious and even my meat-eating husband loved them.
The Crazy World I Live In
[email protected]I've tried many vegetarian meatball recipes, but this one is by far the best. The texture is perfect and the flavor is amazing.
Elsie Pokuaa
[email protected]I made these meatballs for a party and they were a huge success. Everyone loved them!
MD:FARAS UDDIN
[email protected]These vegetarian meatballs were a hit with my family! They were easy to make and had a great flavor.