Main dish

EGGPLANT “MEATBALLS”

EGGPLANT "MEATBALLS"
Hearty eggplant is one of the best vegetable substitutes to make these luscious, meatless “meatballs”.
Author:
Cuisine: Italian
Recipe type: Main dish
Ingredients
  • cooking spray
  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1¼ lbs unpeeled eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil, plus leaves for garnish
  • 1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 25.25 ounce jar DeLallo Pomodoro sauce
  • part skim ricotta cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Place ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When hot add the eggplant and ¼ cup water. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times.
  3. Transfer to a bowl and add bread crumbs, beaten egg, Romano cheese, parsley, garlic and chopped basil into the eggplant. Season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper.
  4. Form the eggplant mixture into 24 balls about 1⅛ oz each, rolling tightly and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until firm and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Heat the sauce in a large deep skillet to warm the sauce. Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish the meatballs with basil leaves and serve with ricotta cheese if desired.

Watch the recipe video here:

Vegetarian Eggplant “Meatballs” Serve these luscious, meatless “meatballs” over pasta, zoodles or with some crusty…

Posted by Skinnytaste on Monday, July 8, 2019