Vegan BBQ Black Bean Meatballs
User Reviews
4.2
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Servings
12 -14
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Vegan
Vegan BBQ Black Bean Meatballs
Description
The Vegan BBQ Black Bean Meatballs start with a blend of canned black beans, rolled oats, flax seeds, fresh cilantro, garlic, onion, and spices including paprika and hot sauce, processed until combined into a sticky mixture. Shaping the mixture into balls and chilling them helps them hold their shape during cooking. The accompanying BBQ sauce is prepared separately by simmering onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, and several seasonings such as mustard powder, molasses, and liquid smoke. After blending the sauce to a thick consistency, the meatballs are cooked and coated with the rich, smoky sauce, creating a satisfying texture that mimics traditional meatballs while offering the tang and depth of BBQ flavor.
These meatballs can be served as a main dish with sides or used in sandwiches or wraps. The recipe encourages customization of the seasoning to match desired flavors. The inclusion of oats and flax seeds helps bind the mixture while adding nutritional value and texture. This dish demonstrates how plant-based ingredients can be combined and seasoned to replicate the hearty experience of meatballs.
According to the notes, the meatballs keep for up to a week when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and the BBQ sauce similarly lasts about a week when stored properly. This longevity makes the recipe practical for meal prep or batch cooking.
Ingredients
For the "Meat" Balls:
- 1 cup rolled oats Bob's Red Mill
- 1 400 ml black bean strained and drained, canned
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil plus some for cooking
- 1 heaped tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup white onion roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped, fresh
- 2 tbsp flax seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. hot sauce
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 white onion chopped finely, medium
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- season to taste
- 1 tbsp. hot sauce
- 1 28 oz crushed tomatoes canned
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp worcester sauce vegan
- 1/2 - 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp. molasses optional
- mint fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Add your "meat" ball ingredients into the processor and blend till everything is well combined. You want to ensure there is no loose flour from the oats, this is how you know you've done blending.
- Begin rolling into "meatballs" I like using a tbsp. to measure or even a small ice cream scoop. Please note, you're balls will cook differently depending on the size you roll them. Once your balls are rolled, set them into the fridge while you prepare your BBQ sauce.
- Into a medium-sized pot add your oil and heat on low for a 1 minute. Add your onions and cook for 5 minutes or until fragrant and translucent. Add your garlic and cook for another minute. Add the remainder of your ingredients and simmer on medium for around 10-15 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking or burning. Taste and ensure it has the flavours you desire. If it's perfect then remove from heat, once cooled enough to handle use a hand blender to thicken and blend. Set aside.
- Into a large non-stick, pan heat your olive oil for 1 minute or so. Add your balls and cook for around 1 minute on each side. Add your desired amount of BBQ sauce to the pot and cook for around 5-6 minutes, on medium, with the lid on, until your balls are cooked throughout. A way to test this is to cut into one and check if it's hot in the middle and steaming. That's when you know you're ready to eat all this deliciousness!
- Serve hot with Rice, on their own or with salad!
Notes
- Store the meatballs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- The BBQ sauce can be refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar and will keep for about one week.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add flavors that suit your family's preferences to customize the meatballs and sauce.