Veggie-balls with rice and hummus

14:13:00 Unknown 0 Comments

I have made a variation of these veggie balls before as veggie burgers and whichever way you want to shape them, they're delicious. I am always on the hunt for good veggie meat alternatives. Before becoming a pescetarian I always thought buying things that looked like meat kind of defeated the point of not eating meat. Honestly, now I get it. Sometimes you miss meat and at the end of the day something that reminds of you meat but isn't is obviously better than the alternative. With that in mind this are not like Quorn meatballs by any means. They taste like vegetable goodness but can stand in the place of a meatball. Their flavours are complex and deep and in my mind more exciting than just plain old mince, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and maybe an egg.

My suggestion would be if you want Italian meatballs than substitute with Italian seasonings. Basically, adjust the spices to suit your dish. As a Swede though, I have to say that I don't think the black beans and sweet potato would suit the traditional Swedish meatball dish. A veggie recipe for Swedish meatballs is something I will have to work on or use store-bought. Also, you obviously can enjoy these even if you eat meat! My dad and boyfriend are both carnivores and they enjoyed them too!



Ingredients 

a small handful of spinach or kale, roughly chopped
1 tbsp of paprika (depending on heat preference)
1 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of oregano
1 tsp of garlic powder
1 tsp of chilli powder or flakes
1/2 tsp of black pepper
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of peanut butter (replace with sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy or simply add less oats)
2 (300g) medium sized sweet potatoes, cooked
1 (400g) can of black beans, drained
45g of porridge oats

Hummus Recipe

Preparation 

1. Mash the black beans and sweet potato. When mashed, combine together. The best way to do this is to use a large, flat-bottomed tupperware. That way there is less mess for later, and you can do the mashing in the same container you mix. 
2. Mix in the peanut butter and oats. 
3. Add your chopped spinach or kale and seasoning. 
4. When all the ingredients are well combined, use your hands to form small balls. 
5. I made each veggie ball about heaped 1 tbsp size, but you can make them as small or big as you like. With the size I used, I would say one portion is about 6-7 veggie balls. 
6. Heat oil in a frying pan. 
7. On a medium/high heat pan fry the veggie-balls on each side until golden brown. 
8. Serve with the cooked rice, some fresh coriander and hummus. 
9. Enjoy!