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Vegan Eggplant Meatballs

These vegan eggplant meatballs are amazing meatless meatballs, made with eggplant, white beans and breadcrumbs to hold them together. If I was a vegan, I would have no problem eating this for dinner every night!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 317 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb unpeeled eggplant (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic 
  • 1 cup cooked white beans (or drained, rinsed canned)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko (use gf crumbs for gluten free)
  • pinch red chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups quick marinara sauce

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oven to 375°. 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.
  3. When hot add the eggplant and 1/4 cup water. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor.
  5. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet with the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Add to the food processor along with the drained beans and parsley and pulse until well combined and chopped, but not pureed.
  7. Combine the mixture with the breadcrumbs and red chile flakes if using. Taste for salt then roll into 12 meatballs, about 2-inches in diameter.
  8. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake until firm and browned, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce and serve with the meatballs over pasta, zucchini noodles or on a whole wheat roll. 

Notes

  • Slightly Adapted from Mark Bittman's VB6 Cookbook

Nutrition Information

Serving 3meatballs with 1/2 cup sauce Calories 317kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 55.5g (19%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 6.5g (10%) Saturated Fat 0.5g (3%) Sodium 1374.5mg (57%) Fiber 8.5g (34%) Sugar 15g (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 317

% Daily Value*

Serving 3meatballs with 1/2 cup sauce
Calories 317kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 55.5g 19%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 6.5g 10%
Saturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Sodium 1374.5mg 57%
Fiber 8.5g 34%
Sugar 15g 30%

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