To start off, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized cauliflower head
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Marinara sauce for serving
Now, let’s dive right into the process:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove the green leaves and stem from the cauliflower head. Chop the cauliflower into florets and place them into a food processor. Process until it reaches a rice-like consistency.
3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Transfer the processed cauliflower to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until it softens. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
6. While the cauliflower mixture is cooling down, in a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
7. Add the breadcrumb mixture to the cauliflower mixture and combine thoroughly. The mixture should hold together well and be easy to shape.
8. Take a small amount of the mixture, about a tablespoon, and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat until you have used up all the mixture.
9. Place the cauliflower meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to promote browning and enhance flavor.
10. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and firm.
11. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They will hold their shape better as they cool.
12. Serve the cauliflower meatballs warm with marinara sauce for dipping or over cooked pasta for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
These cauliflower meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a meatball sub sandwich. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. The texture and flavor of these meatballs will surely please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty and healthier twist on a classic dish.