Broccoli Meatballs
These meatless balls, rather, pack a serious protein-punch....depending on the size of your balls. (Just be glad Mark isn't writing this piece.) Seriously, up to 18 g of protein per ball, who needs the meat! Best way to grind almonds: buy slivered blanched raw almonds and use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix - don't blend too much or you'll end up with almond butter. I eat these with the tomato sauce for dinner, pop a couple for a snack or crumple them in a salad. I spotted this recipes in Vegetarian Times. So glad I did since it's so so good.
Ingredients
3-4 cups broccoli florets (1 large head)
1 cup blanched slivered almonds
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
Garlic-Tomato Sauce
1 Tbs. olive oil
¼ cup diced white onion
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Steam broccoli for 10 minutes, or until tender and bright green. Cool. Use 3 cups of broccoli if you want them less broccoli-y.
Pulse almonds in food processor until finely ground. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
Add Parmesan, basil, parsley, garlic, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Mix well.
Pulse steamed broccoli in food processor until chopped. Transfer to bowl with mixture.
Whisk eggs in small bowl, then stir eggs into broccoli mixture.
Shape mixture into 16-24 meatballs by hand to hold their shape. Place on prepared baking sheet, and bake 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
To make Garlic-Tomato Sauce: Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Add tomatoes and their juice, and cook 20 minutes, or until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Serves: 4-10 (small meatballs for appetizers)
Time: 45 with prep
HEARTFUL RECIPE - Contains parm. If you're allergic to dairy, find an alternative veggie cheese (I have yet to find a good shreaded one). If you're not allergic, but just avoid dairy, I count this amount in my 10%, eat up and enjoy. – One of our real food recipes that focuses on veggies, protein, healthy fats and/or healthy carbs and doesn't include gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar, corn or peanuts.
