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Vegetarian Meatballs

Vegetarian Meatballs
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Delicious Vegetarian Meatballs packed with herbs and spices, offering a healthy and flavorful meat-free alternative. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be served with pasta, sandwiches, or as snacks. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a wholesome, nutritious dish with a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or lentils for variation)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan cheese/nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flaxseed egg)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Flaxseed Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This will act as the egg substitute to bind the meatballs.
  2. Mash the Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked chickpeas using a fork or potato masher. Leave some chunks for texture, creating the base of your vegetarian meatballs.
  3. Mix Ingredients Together: Add the flaxseed egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a small scoop. Slightly compact them to help hold their shape.
  5. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently to brown all sides until golden and firm. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender, not dense.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brighter flavor.
  • Test one meatball first to check seasoning and texture before forming the entire batch.
  • If mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of water or olive oil.
  • Cook over medium heat and turn gently to prevent meatballs from breaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian meatballs, vegan meatballs, meat-free, plant-based, easy vegetarian recipe, gluten-free meatballs

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/vegetarian-meatballs/