Whether you are a vegetarian or just looking for something a bit more healthy, veggie balls are a very flavourful and versatile option for your diet. You can snack on them, or add them to your meal for lunch or dinner. I bet, almost every culture has some version of meatballs or their veggie equivalent.
Veggie balls are nutritious, satisfying, and delectable. You can pretty much mash any veggies up, add some spices & herbs, mix, shape and bake. This tasty and super easy recipe will not disappoint anyone with a tasty mix of spices and herbs to get the flavour just right— even meat-lovers.
Ingredients:
2 carrots, cut up into pieces
1 red pepper, cut up into pieces
1/4 of a cauliflower head, cut up into pieces
1 can of chickpea, drained
Half a medium sized red onion, finely chopped
2 eggs (optional)
1 cup breadcrumbs (can sub with oat flour)
1 tsp of ginger paste
1 tsp of garlic paste
1 green chilli
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp amchur powder
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp sat
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp of oil plus more for the baking sheet
A bunch of cilantro and mint, finely chopped
Method:
1) Mash it up - Do this in two parts. Add the carrots, red pepper, and cauliflower into the processor as the first set and pulse until finely chopped. Take out and place in a large bowl. Then repeat with the chickpea and green chilli. The chickpea should look close to a puree, but not just quite. You should be able to see some small chunks. At the end of this step, your prepared veggies are ready . Keep in mind, that depending on your food processors, you can do this step in more batches.
2) Mix it well - In your bowl of prepared veggies, add the remaining ingredients from the list above. With your hands, mix everything together until its well incorporated. Have a small taste to make sure the salt and spice are to your liking.
3) Shape and Bake - Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum or wax paper and add spray/wash with oil so the balls do not stick (also easy clean up ;) - you're welcome!). Shape the mixture into small balls. You can use a 1 inch ice cream scoop for consistency. This recipe makes about 36 balls. Once the oven heated, bake the balls for 45 mins. After 45 mins, increase to 420 degrees F and bake for another 10 mins to allow the exterior to crisp. Let is rest for 10 mins after you take it out of the oven.
4) Enjoy the bites! - Highly recommend having them with tamarind chutney and yogurt as condiments while snacking. Store away the rest and add it with whatever your hearts desires.
xo,
Biya