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God Save the Quinoa

Eggplant Meatballs

Add a healthy spin on your favorite Italian dish by using hearty eggplant in lieu of meat to make these delicious and flavorful "meatballs".
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • • 1 TBSP EVOO divided
  • • 1/4 cup water
  • • 1 1 pound eggplant, unpeeled cut into 1 inch cubes
  • • 1 tsp salt
  • • 1 tsp black pepper
  • • 1 TBS paprika
  • • 1 medium red onion diced
  • • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • • 1 can of cannellini beans drained
  • • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • • 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
  • • 1 tsp red chili flakes

Method
 

  1. • Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil, spray with non-cook spray and set aside.
  2. • Cut eggplant into one inch cubes, pressing out excess water with a paper towel.
  3. • Heat 1/2 TBS EVOO in a non-stick skillet on medium heat. When heated, add eggplant cubes and 1/4 cup of water. Immediately season eggplant cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir ingredients occasionally for 10 - 15 minutes, until eggplant is tender. (You should be able to cut an eggplant cube in half with your spatula) When ready, transfer cooked eggplant cubes to a food processor.
  4. • Add the remaining 1/2 TBS EVOO to the skillet followed by diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes, then combine with cooked eggplant cubes in food processor.
  5. • Add drained cannellini beans and chopped parsley to food processor and pulse until contents are well combined and chopped. Stir contents with a spatula between pulses as needed. Ingredients should be chopped, not pureed.
  6. • Transfer ingredients from the food processor into a bowl. Stir in panko breadcrumbs and red chili flakes until well combined. Add salt for taste.
  7. • Roll into golf-ball sized meatballs and distribute evenly on foil lined cookie sheet.
  8. • Bake for 20 - 30 minutes until meatballs are browned and firm when poking with a fork.
  9. • Remove from oven, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

• Serve with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Drizzle fresh marinara or basil pesto on top for delicious results.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.