Eggplant and Tuna Meatballs, a tantalizing and versatile main course, also ideal as an appetizer or finger food for a buffet.
The soft and flavorful eggplants combine with canned tuna to create aromatic little meatballs with a tender heart. They are prepared with a few ingredients, often already in our pantry: white bread, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
I cook them in an air fryer for a lighter version, but if you prefer, you can fry them in a pan: they’ll be even more irresistible! You can customize them by adding chopped parsley, parmesan, or any aromatic herb to taste.
These eggplant and tuna meatballs are also perfect for children, for a quick lunch, or to take to work. They are excellent both hot and at room temperature, perhaps accompanied by a yogurt sauce or a simple summer salad.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I answered some questions about this preparation. If you have other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form found at the end of the page.
Other recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 20Pieces
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer and Fall
- Energy 182.70 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 21.19 (g) of which sugars 6.61 (g)
- Proteins 14.96 (g)
- Fat 4.63 (g) of which saturated 1.13 (g)of which unsaturated 3.00 (g)
- Fibers 5.75 (g)
- Sodium 306.78 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 150 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Eggplant and Tuna Meatballs
- 1.76 lbs oval black eggplants
- canned tuna
- 1 egg
- 2 slices white bread
- 1 clove garlic
- to taste Black pepper
- to taste Salt
- to taste Breadcrumbs
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Blender
- Bowl
Recipe for Eggplant and Tuna Meatballs
Start preparing the eggplant and tuna meatballs by cooking the eggplants.
You can boil them quartered for about twenty minutes or cook them whole in the air fryer at 356°F for 25 minutes.
Let the eggplants cool slightly, peel them, and place them in the blender.
Also, add the slices of white bread cut into pieces.
Continue by adding a medium-sized egg, drained canned tuna, and a clove of garlic.
Blend the mixture until you get a sort of cream.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and adjust with salt and black pepper.
Also, add the breadcrumbs: you should get a dry but still soft mixture.
Form the meatballs with a spoon or an ice cream scoop, slightly flattening them between your hands.
Let the meatballs set further for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket.
Cook the eggplant and tuna meatballs at 320°F for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Serve them immediately with a fresh salad.
Eggplant and Tuna Meatballs
Check this section to clear up your doubts. If you can’t find the answer to your question, comment or write to me using the form below.
Meatball recipes for all tastes, even vegetarian and vegan!
How to store eggplant and tuna meatballs?
The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven, in a pan, or in the air fryer to make them crispy again. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze them raw (already shaped) or cooked. I recommend separating them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I substitute the tuna?
If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the tuna and add grated cheese (such as parmesan or pecorino) or well-drained ricotta. Alternatively, you can try using canned mackerel or salmon for a different flavor.
Can I avoid the egg?
Yes, you can replace it with a tablespoon of chickpea flour mixed with some water or with some mashed boiled potato: they will help bind the mixture.
What other spices or herbs can I add?
You can personalize the mixture with chopped parsley, oregano, sweet paprika, or a pinch of chili pepper if you like it spicy. Even a grated lemon zest can give a fresh and fragrant touch!
Find many recipes with eggplants in the collection EASY AND TASTY EGGPLANT RECIPES.
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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