Aubergine Meatballs
These aubergine meatballs are packed with Italian flavours! Ready in just 30 min, they make an easy meal for the whole family.
Serving: 4
Calories: 530kcal
Ingredients
For the roasted aubergine:
- 2 large aubergines
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- sea salt and black pepper
For the meatballs:
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts
- zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
- 200 g breadcrumbs, Panko or Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 large free-range egg whites
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 400 g fresh tomato marinara sauce or Italian tomato sauce, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F/ 180°C and arrange a baking rack in the middle shelf.
- Cut the aubergines into small cubes and arrange evenly on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste, and bake for 30 minutes or until tender.
- Remove the aubergine from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- in a large bowl, place the roasted aubergine, pine nuts, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg white, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix all ingredients until fully combined, if the mixture is too wet add a little more breadcrumbs until reaching a dense consistency.
- Roll into 10-12 meatballs, about 1-inch diameter, then roll each ball into extra breadcrumbs to seal them evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook the meatballs for 2 minutes, then using a spoon, flip and cook on the side for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- When the meatballs are nicely crispy and golden-brown, remove from the pan and arrange on a serving plate covered with kitchen paper, to absorb excess oil.
- Serve on their own, with fresh marinara sauce or Italian tomato sauce.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Nutrition
Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 947mg | Potassium: 984mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 786IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 3mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.