Tired of the usual meatballs? Get ready to discover the version that will make you fall in love: the Vegetarian Eggplant Meatballs with Tomato Sauce! They are soft and flavorful and perfect for a family lunch or dinner with friends. A true vegetarian and delicious comfort food, that smells of Southern Italy, thanks to a secret ingredient that makes them irresistible: fresh mint. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, ideal even for beginners in the kitchen, and so versatile that it can also be served as an appetizer.
The strength of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the few ingredients used. The eggplants, the stars of the recipe, are essential for the incredibly soft texture of the meatball. They are perfectly bound by eggs and breadcrumbs, while the grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino) provides the savory soul that cannot be missing. But it’s the fresh mint that makes the difference: it’s the special ingredient that gives an unexpected touch of freshness and a wonderful aroma. All of this, of course, is bathed and cooked in a simple but rich tomato sauce, the perfect bed for our delicious meatballs.
Are you ready to try this explosion of taste? Find the complete list of doses and the detailed procedure right below!
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated cheese
- fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tomato sauce
Tools
- Salad Bowl
- Frying Pan
Steps
To begin, cut the eggplants into small equal-sized cubes and sauté in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and a clove of garlic. Cook until the cubes are very soft and well-cooked.
After cooking, transfer the cooked cubes into a large enough salad bowl and add an egg, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese.
Next, add some fresh mint leaves and then mash everything with the help of a fork. Finally, add the salt and mix everything.
At this point, form balls with your hands and sauté them in a pan with some extra virgin olive oil, letting them brown for about 5 minutes.
Finally, once the meatballs are golden and firm, add the seasoned tomato sauce. Add more fresh mint leaves and let cook for about 15 minutes on low heat.
Finally, once cooking is complete, place the meatballs on a plate and serve them hot.
Tips
Vegetarian eggplant meatballs can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days. They can be reheated as needed before consumption.
You can use any type of eggplant for this recipe.
FAQ
Can I make them without sauce?
Absolutely yes, you can stop at the step where you brown the meatballs in the pan, perhaps cooking them a bit longer before serving.
