Eggplant Meatballs

Appetizers Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Recipes Italian Vegetables

Recipe: Eggplant Meatballs

A pleasant contrast between the soft, almost creamy interior and the super crispy exterior.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (about 500-600g)
5 heaping tablespoons grated parmesan
2 garlic cloves
1 egg
1/4 bunch parsley
2 basil leaves
breadcrumbs
oil (for frying and brushing the eggplants)
salt, pepper

Makes: 20 pieces

How to prepare eggplant meatballs

  1. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern with the tip of a knife. Sprinkle with salt and brush the flesh with a little oil. Bake at maximum temperature (250°C/480°F) for about 35 minutes until golden and the flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh with a flat wooden spoon and let it drain in a sieve (about 15 minutes).
  2. Chop the eggplant flesh very well. Add the beaten egg, crushed garlic, chopped herbs, parmesan and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
  3. Add breadcrumbs (2-3 tablespoons at a time) until the mixture can be easily shaped. I added 8 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
  4. Shape the meatballs into balls and roll them in breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat plenty of oil very well and deep fry the meatballs until golden (about 5 minutes).
  6. Serve warm or cold (on the day they were made). They're excellent accompanied by a tomato salad. If you have leftovers the next day, prepare a simple Italian tomato sauce and heat the meatballs in it.

Roasted eggplants

Roasted eggplants

Meatball mixture

Meatball mixture

Shaping and coating in breadcrumbs

Shaping and coating in breadcrumbs

Frying the meatballs

Frying the meatballs

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