Eggplant Meatballs
Appetizers Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Recipes Italian Vegetables
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
- 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).
- Chop the eggplant flesh very well. Add the beaten egg, crushed garlic, chopped herbs, parmesan and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Add breadcrumbs (2-3 tablespoons at a time) until the mixture can be easily shaped. I added 8 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
- Shape the meatballs into balls and roll them in breadcrumbs.
- Heat plenty of oil very well and deep fry the meatballs until golden (about 5 minutes).
- 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
Meatball mixture
Shaping and coating in breadcrumbs
Frying the meatballs