Eggplant “Meatballs”
While trying to implement “Meatless Monday” in our household… I made these faux meatballs. While eating, the bf said “I wouldn’t have really known there was no meat but because you did…. I know ;)”
Adapted from Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 6 • Size: 4 meatballs • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 7 pts
Calories: 259 • Fat: 12 g • Protein: 9 g • Carb: 30 g • Fiber: 6 g • Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 1180 mg • Cholesterol: 39 mg
Ingredients:
- cooking spray (I used olive oil in a misto)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 lbs unpeeled eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
- kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tbsp chopped basil, plus leaves for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 (25.25 ounce jar) Marinara Sauce (I used Mezzetta Tomato Basil Sauce)
Directions:
Heat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
Place 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When hot add the eggplant and 1/4 cup water. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times. (I “squeezed out” some of the water that the eggplant retained so the “meatballs” wouldn’t be too mushy)
Transfer to a bowl and add bread crumbs, beaten egg, Romano cheese, parsley, garlic and chopped basil into the eggplant. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Form the eggplant mixture into 24 balls about 1 1/8 oz each, rolling tightly and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until firm and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Heat the sauce in a large deep skillet to warm the sauce. Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish the meatballs with basil leaves and parmesan cheese.
We kept this dish light by serving it with steamed broccoli.