Meatless Meatballs! Vegetarian Garlic & Mushroom Meatballs

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: aquafaba

Flaxseed meal binds ingredients while being plant-based.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk offers creaminess with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is more affordable for frying.

Chop 2 pounds of mushrooms into small pieces, about the size of a kernel of corn.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a big pinch of salt.

Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and brown them until the water evaporates and they are nicely browned, about 10-15 minutes.

Once browned, turn the heat down to medium, add a chunk of butter, and continue to cook until golden brown.

Add minced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent, while the mushrooms continue to caramelize.

Turn off the heat and stir in minced garlic, allowing the residual heat to soften it.

Add 1 cup of quick cooking oatmeal to the cooled mushroom mixture and stir until combined.

Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, mix in 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese.

Add 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of freshly chopped Italian parsley, 1 egg, black pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of dry oregano to the bowl and mix with a fork.

Add a second egg to the mixture and mix until a moldable consistency is achieved.

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop flavor and texture.

Scoop out portions of the mixture using a sorbet scoop or your hands and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Roll the meatballs between your palms for a smooth appearance, if desired.

Preheat the oven to 450°F and bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes until they have a nice brown crust.

Transfer the baked meatballs into your favorite pasta sauce and let them simmer on low for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding water or broth if needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens