Vegetarian Meatballs

These meatless meatballs are a great way to enjoy a traditional Italian cuisine the vegetarian way! A delicious alternative to a traditional meatball. A ton of flavor that will have you wondering why you never made these before!

Ingredients: 

• 1 large eggplant (~1.5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parm/romano cheese 
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves 
• 1 large egg
• 1 clove garlic – minced kosher salt freshly ground black pepper extra virgin olive oil for sautéing 
• 1-2 cups Grandpa Pete’s Marinara Sauce 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven at 400 degrees. Roast eggplant until very tender (~75 mins) & cool to room temp. 
2. Cut eggplant in half lengthwise – scoop out pulp and place in large mixing bowl – add bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt & pepper – beat until well blended – chill mixture 30-60 mins (closer to 60 is better). 
3. Shape mixture into balls – heat 1/4” oil in large skillet over medium heat – add some balls, leaving space for turning – fry, turning as necessary until brown on all sides (~5 mins) – transfer to paper towels to drain. 
4. Pour oil off skillet – add Grandpa Pete’s Marinara sauce – heat to simmer over low heat – add balls to sauce – cover and simmer 10 mins.