Broccoli Balls

Broccoli balls are a great way to enjoy this healthy vegetable in a different and enjoyable way. Here is an Italian recipe to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 400 g of broccoli (already cleaned and separated into florets)
• 2 eggs
• 80 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 70 g of breadcrumbs, plus extra for breading
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Preparation

1. Start by bringing a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft but still a bit crunchy.
2. Once cooked, drain well and allow them to cool. Then, mash them with the help of a fork or a potato masher to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
3. Transfer the broccoli into a bowl, add the finely chopped garlic, eggs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a bit of breadcrumbs. Mix well to obtain a uniform mixture. If necessary, add more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
4. Take small amounts of the mixture and form them into balls with your hands, then roll them in the remaining breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
5. In a frying pan, heat plenty of olive oil and, when hot, fry the broccoli balls until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
6. Remove the balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serve the balls hot, perhaps accompanied by a yogurt or tahini sauce to add a touch of freshness.

Curiosity

In Italy, meatballs are a much-loved and versatile dish. They can be made with meat, fish, legumes, or vegetables as in this case. They are excellent appetizers or even main courses, and sometimes they are even served during an aperitif. The broccoli version is a lighter and more vegetable-focused variant, perfect for those who want to include more vegetables in their diet without sacrificing flavor.