Eggplant Meatballs
Who knew that eggplant could take center stage in a meatball recipe? These scrumptious Eggplant Meatballs are here to surprise your taste buds! They’re savory, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking to mix things up, these meatballs will surely impress. Honestly, my friends and family couldn't get enough of them!
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant about 1 pound
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko works great!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan
- 1 egg flax egg for vegan: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab that eggplant and slice it in half. Scoop out some of the insides to create a little pocket (you can save this for another dish!). Drizzle with some *olive oil*, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until it’s soft and slightly charred.
- Mix and Mash: Once the eggplant has roasted, let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop the eggplant flesh into a bowl. Now, go wild and mash it up with a fork. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—some chunks add character!
- Add the Good Stuff: To the mashed eggplant, stir in your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg (or flax egg), minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is just combined. Your mixture will be slightly sticky—this is good!
- Shape the Meatballs: Now comes the fun part: roll the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them back on the baking sheet.
- Bake ‘Em Up: Drizzle or spray a little more olive oil on top of the meatballs. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re done baking, serve these beauties with marinara sauce. You can pair them with spaghetti, enjoy them in a sub, or just eat them straight up—no judgment here!