RECIPE: Italian Vegetarian Meatballs

Let's admit it.

Many people are afraid of vegetarian food.  They assume it will have soy in it, that it will taste funny, and they won't like it.

This is the recipe that will change their minds (and maybe yours too)!  I have served it to my most meat-loving guests and they all love it. 

The meatballs are baked instead of fried.  The cheese and egg provide plenty of protein and when mixed with the crushed crackers, provide a chewy texture similar to traditional meatballs.   

Adding the wine to the pasta sauce enhances the flavor and the alcohol content burns off while cooking.

 I put all the eggs, onion, cheese, garlic, and oregano, and crackers in my Kitchen-Aid.

My Kitchen-Aid makes preparing food so easy!

Using an ice cream scoop makes all the meatballs the same size.

I take them out of the oven, bubbling and steaming.  They smell SO GOOD!

A meatball served over penne pasta with a bit teaspoon of traditional basil pesto. 

Italian Vegetarian Meatballs

by Elle@thewaybyelle

Prep Time: 15 min.

Cook Time: 1 hr.

Keywords: bake entree vegetarian Italian

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Ingredients

• 8 oz. shredded mozzarella
• 1 diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 5 eggs
• 1 sleeve crushed crackers
• 1 jar pasta sauce (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup red or blush wine (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine shredded mozzrella, onion, garlic, oregaano, eggs, and crushed crackers in mixer. Mix thoroughly. Preheat oven to 350 F. Allow mixture to set for 5 min.

2. Spray medium baking dish with non-stick spray. Use ice cream scoop to drop equal-sized balls of mixture into baking dish.

3. Mix wine with pasta sauce, if desired. Cover meatballs with pasta sauce. Cover baking dish and bake for 1 hour.

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How did the vegetarian meatballs turn out for you?  Are there people who are afraid to try your vegetarian/vegan dishes?  How do you win them over?