Eggplant are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs. They are perfect for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat intake. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they are also surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making mouthwatering meatballs.

To start, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized eggplant
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (vegan parmesan can be used as a substitute)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Marinara sauce for serving

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these delectable eggplant meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. Start by preparing the eggplant. Wash it thoroughly and cut off the stem. Then, using a fork, prick several holes into the eggplant to allow steam to escape while baking. This prevents it from exploding during the cooking process. Place the eggplant on the prepared baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until it becomes soft and tender.

3. Once the eggplant is cooked and cool enough to handle, gently peel off the skin. Scoop out the soft flesh and place it in a large mixing bowl. Discard any liquid that may have accumulated.

4. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the cooked eggplant until it reaches a chunky consistency. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining.

5. To the mashed eggplant, add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into meatballs. If it’s too wet, add a little extra breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.

6. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs using your hands. Place them on a clean surface or a tray as you go along.

7. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the eggplant meatballs, a few at a time, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Gently roll them around to cook on all sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Continue this process until all the meatballs are cooked, adding more oil if necessary.

8. Once the eggplant meatballs are nicely browned, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

9. Serve the eggplant meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce. They make a delicious addition to pasta dishes, or you can enjoy them on their own as an appetizer or main course.

These eggplant meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for spaghetti and meatball dishes, meatball subs, or even as a topping for pizza. The meatballs can also be frozen for later use, making them a convenient and healthy option for busy days.

With these simple steps, you can create scrumptious eggplant meatballs that are sure to impress even the most dedicated meat lover. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures of this vegetarian alternative, guilt-free!

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