Eggplant Meatballs
17/11/2023Eggplant meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be adapted for vegetarians and lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- 100 g of stale bread
- 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic
- A few leaves of fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs (as much as is needed for breading)
- Extra virgin olive oil for frying
Preparation
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Start by washing the eggplants, cutting them into cubes, and putting them in a non-stick pan with a bit of water, or if you prefer, bake them in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 20-30 minutes.
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Once the eggplants are cooked and soft, drain any excess water and mash them with a fork or blend them in a mixer to obtain a puree.
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Soak the stale bread in water for a few minutes; then squeeze it out and crumble it.
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In a large bowl, combine the eggplant puree, crumbled stale bread, egg, Parmesan, finely chopped garlic, torn basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
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If the mixture is too wet, you can add some breadcrumbs to reach the desired consistency for forming the meatballs.
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Shape the meatballs with your hands and roll them in the breadcrumbs.
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Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan and, once hot, fry the meatballs until they become golden and crispy on all sides.
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Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
You can also bake the eggplant meatballs for a lighter variant. In that case, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Curiosity
Eggplant meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or as a main course and can be served with a tomato sauce to enhance their flavor. Moreover, they are a good alternative for those following a vegetarian diet or who want to reduce meat consumption without giving up the pleasure of a tasty dish. Enjoy your meal!
