Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for baking
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cut the eggplant into small cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over the eggplant cubes and season with salt and pepper. Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until it becomes soft and tender.
Step 3: Remove the roasted eggplant from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, transfer the eggplant to a food processor or blender and pulse until it reaches a breadcrumb-like consistency. You can also mash it with a fork if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the mashed eggplant, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Shape the mixture into small meatball-sized balls using your hands. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet coated with olive oil.
Step 6: Bake the eggplant meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Step 7: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
There you have it – delicious and healthy eggplant meatballs! Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, or as a complement to pasta dishes. These meatballs are so flavorful and satisfying that even meat lovers won’t miss the traditional meatball. Enjoy!
We hope this recipe inspires you to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet. Eggplant meatballs are a nutritious and tasty alternative that deserves a place on your dinner table. Give them a try and let us know how you like them!