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Eggplant Meatballs

Hearty eggplant is one of the best vegetable substitutes to make these luscious, vegetarian eggplant meatballs.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 2225 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/4 lbs unpeeled eggplant (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil (plus leaves for garnish)
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 2 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 25-ounce jar marinara sauce (such as Delallo or homemade)
  • part skim ricotta cheese (for serving (optional))

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Place 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When hot add the eggplant and 1/4 cup water. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times.
  3. Transfer to a bowl and add bread crumbs, beaten egg, Romano cheese, parsley, garlic and chopped basil into the eggplant. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
  4. Form the eggplant mixture into 24 balls about 1 1/8 oz each, rolling tightly and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until firm and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Heat the sauce in a large deep skillet to warm the sauce. Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish the meatballs with basil leaves and serve with ricotta cheese if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving 4meatballs and sauce Calories 222.5kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 10.5g (21%) Fat 7.5g (12%) Saturated Fat 2.5g (13%) Cholesterol 41mg (14%) Sodium 1066mg (44%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 2225

% Daily Value*

Serving 4meatballs and sauce
Calories 222.5kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 10.5g 21%
Fat 7.5g 12%
Saturated Fat 2.5g 13%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 1066mg 44%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 6g 12%

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