Vegan Spinach Meatballs
I love raw spinach with a passion, but I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with cooked spinach. I think it’s primarily because a lot of spinach is cooked so much that it turns into gloppy mush. So, when I make meatball substitutes, spinach is not the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, it’s often Spicy Rice Balls made with leftover rice gracing the top of my spaghetti. But, when I saw Spinach Meatballs over Spaghetti I was intrigued.
Not only are these a unique meatless option, but with all the vitamins and minerals from the spinach, the pumpkin and the black beans, they’re also super healthy. AND, the spinach is mixed with dry ingredients, so it won’t ‘t get that gloppy overcooked spinach texture. So, I served a batch of spinach meatballs over spaghetti with Marinara a la Seaton (adapted slightly for my family’s tastes). And yum! The meatballs definitely need sauce, so even if you serve them alone, dip in marinara/spaghetti sauce or they’re not nearly as tasty.
Vegan Spinach Meatballs
Author/Source:
Kristi @ Onceamonthmom.com Adapted from GlutenfreeCookingSchool.com
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 4 cups black beans, cooked
- 1.25 cups onion, diced
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic, minced
- .25 cups pumpkin puree or other egg substitute (I doubled the pumpkin)
- .25 cups vegetable broth
- .5 cups flour (I used whole wheat)
- 2 slices bread, cubed (I used whole wheat)
- .5 cups Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese substitute (or real cheese for non-vegans)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400. In a large mixing bowl, knead all of the ingredients until well combined. Form into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet. Bake the meatballs at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Freezing Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, knead all of the ingredients until well combined. Form into balls about the size of a golf ball.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Divide among freezer bags and freeze. To serve: Thaw. Bake on a greased sheet at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Serve over prepared pasta with your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Servings: 4 to 8 (24-26 meatballs; good for 4 servings by themselves or 8 served over pasta)
**conversion chart image provided by Erik Spiekermann
This Post will be linked at:
- Mouthwatering Mondays at A Southern Fairytale
- Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist (Real Food)
- Just Another Meatless Monday at Hey What’s For Dinner Mom? (Vegetarian)
