Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Complexity: easily
Servings: 4

Is it possible to make meatballs without meat? Yes, by substituting eggplant. Baked in the oven, eggplant develops a meaty flavor, making it a perfect base for meatballs. It's complemented by traditional basil, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Mashed cooked beans give this dish a dense texture and an additional source of protein. The result is a delicious and juicy dish that's also quite easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 small eggplant (about 350 g)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup cooked white beans, mashed with a fork
• 1 large clove garlic, very finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped basil or parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray dispenser or non-stick spray
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Substituting ingredients
Measuring containers used

1 glass (st.) - 250 ml.
3/4 cup (st.) - 180 ml.
2/3 cup (st.) - 160 ml.
1/2 cup (st.) - 125 ml.
1/3 cup (st.) - 80 ml.
1/4 cup (st.) - 60 ml.
1 tablespoon (tbsp) - 15 ml.
1 teaspoon (tsp) - 5 ml.
1/5 teaspoon (tsp) - 1 ml.

Recipes with similar ingredients

eggplants, white beans, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, eggs, basil

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Preparation:

Step 1
• Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place the eggplant on top.
  
  Pierce the eggplant 4 times with a fork, then place it in the oven and bake until it's completely cooked through and a knife inserted into the center is easily removed, about 40-50 minutes. Let the eggplant cool for 20 minutes. Leave the oven on.
Step 2
• Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out all the flesh with a spoon (discard the skin). Place the baked eggplant in a medium bowl and combine with the beans. Add the garlic, basil, Parmesan, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and mix well, then stir in the breadcrumbs.
Step 3
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with a clean sheet of foil again and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Form the eggplant mixture into golf ball-sized balls (2 tablespoons per ball; you should have about 16). Place them on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake the eggplant balls until golden brown and firm, about 20 minutes.
Step 4
• While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan. Remove the meatballs from the oven, sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese, and serve warm. marinara sauce.

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