Veggie Balls (Vegetarian Meatball Alternative)
Veggie balls are a vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, made with vegetables, herbs, and breadcrumbs for a crispy outside and tender center. This veggie balls recipe is baked, easy to prepare, and perfect for serving with pasta, in bowls, or as a meatless appetizer.
Need some meatless Monday dinner inspo? Try these meatless meatballs! They’re the only veggie ball recipe you’ll ever need! Super tasty and filling, you won’t miss meat. You can enjoy them in a 🥪 or 🥙 , with pasta 🍝, or straight out the oven like I did with spicy mayonnaise and basil mayonnaise!
What Are Veggie Balls?
Veggie balls are meatless balls made from vegetables, grains, or legumes and shaped similarly to meatballs. They’re often baked or pan-fried and served as a vegetarian alternative in pasta dishes, grain bowls, or appetizers.
How to Serve Veggie Balls
- Tossed with pasta and tomato sauce
- Served in grain bowls or salads
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
These veggie balls are great served alongside a simple pasta like mushroom linguine. For another vegetarian appetizer, try these brie stuffed mushrooms.
Veggie Balls (Vegetarian Meatballs)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked red lentils (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustart
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Soak raw lentils in water for 20 min. Properly rinse and throw them in a large pot filled with water. Boil for 20 min. Drain and set aside.
- Here’s a fun trick to quickly cook sweet potatoes . With a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes evenly and microwave them (in a microwave safe dish) for 5 min. The little holes will help the steam escape and cook! If your are on the larger side, they may need an extra minute or two.
- When the sweet taters are done, take 2 forks and carefully remove and discard the skin without getting burned. You’ll see, the skin will easily come off . Cut them into little cubes.
- Shred the zucchini and remove excess water by placing the shredded zucchini in a paper towel sheet, fold the paper towel over and squeeze the water out.
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with some breadcrumbs. With a spoon, scoop out the mixture and shape your veggie balls to the size of golf balls. Place on baking sheet.
- When done shaping all the veggie balls, sprinkle them with some more breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle with some olive oil and bake for 45 min. After 25 min, I check up on them and drizzle some more EVOO Enjoy!
What are veggie balls made of?
Veggie balls are typically made with vegetables, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings shaped into meatball-style balls.
Are veggie balls vegan?
Veggie balls can be vegan depending on the ingredients used, but some recipes include eggs or cheese.
Can you bake veggie balls instead of frying?
Yes. Veggie balls are commonly baked for a lighter texture and easier preparation.
What a fantastic recipe! Easy to follow and delicious. Thank you so much!