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5.0 from 96 votes

Eggplant Meatballs (Polpette di Melanzane)

Eggplant meatball recipe with basil, Pecorino Romano cheese and garlic.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 395 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 ounces water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Begin by preheating oven to 350f and setting rack to middle level. Cube eggplant into approximately 1" pieces.
  2. Crush and make a paste of 3 garlic cloves. Rough chop a 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves.
  3. In a large pan on medium-low heat, saute garlic in a 1/4 cup of olive oil. After 2 minutes add the eggplant into the pan and mix thoroughly. Add 3 ounces of water to the pan, cover and let cook for 20 minutes.
  4. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and move softened eggplant to a large mixing bowl. Let the eggplant cool for a few minutes, then add the 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup Pecorino Romano, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 cup chopped basil and 2 beaten eggs. Mix well to incorporate the ingredients.
  5. With wet hands form eggplant meatballs and place on an oiled wire rack or a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Bake the eggplant meatballs for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Place the eggplant meatballs in your sauce of choice and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Unseasoned breadcrumbs are recommended to let just the basil and cheese shine through.
  • Use any type of firm, fresh eggplant.
  • Make sure the eggplant isn't too hot before adding the egg, cheese and remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl.
  • Roll the eggplant meatballs with wet or oiled hands to avoid sticking.
  • No extra salt was added due to the inherent saltiness of Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • The eggplant meatballs only need about 5 minutes of cooking in the sauce of your choice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 395kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 37.6g (13%) Protein 12.6g (25%) Fat 21.7g (33%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 97mg (32%) Sodium 600mg (25%) Potassium 406mg (12%) Fiber 6.4g (26%) Sugar 6.4g (13%) Calcium 223mg (22%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 395

% Daily Value*

Calories 395kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 37.6g 13%
Protein 12.6g 25%
Fat 21.7g 33%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 97mg 32%
Sodium 600mg 25%
Potassium 406mg 9%
Fiber 6.4g 26%
Sugar 6.4g 13%
Calcium 223mg 22%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.