Quinoa Meatless Balls

 

So a couple things. One is that while I am not vegetarian I do eat a lot of meatless dishes. This is one of them. Quinoa is super healthy and the recipe is very easy (and very delicious, too). After making them I pan-fried them and then simmered them in homemade marinara sauce. These could easily be paired with another sauce, such as yogurt sauce, etc. 

Also here's a few answers to questions that are often asked when I post a recipe such as this...

Can they be made vegan? Yes, omit the eggs and use vegan cheese (or omit the cheese) and adjust the breadcrumbs. 

Can they be made gluten free? I don't know, I am not experienced in GF cooking.

Do they need to be pan fried? No, but browning them adds to the flavor.

Do they taste like real meatballs? No, not at all (and they are not intended to), but they are delicious.

Anyhow, the recipe and pictures are below. I hope you make these, you won't be sorry. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go grab a cold meatless ball out of the fridge as a late night snack :) 

 

Quinoa Meatless balls

Makes about a dozen medium sized balls

2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup quinoa
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 bunch basil, chopped
1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup plain breadcrumbs

 

Bring the vegetable broth to a boil and stir in the quinoa. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, cook the quinoa for 18 minutes, then let it rest another 10 minutes before removing the lid.

Transfer the cooked quinoa to the bowl of a food processor with the remaining ingredient except the breadcrumbs and process for a minute or two. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and knead in the breadcrumbs by hand, then allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Divide the mixture into 12 pieces and shape into balls. Pan fry (optional) and drop into simmering sauce. Slowly simmer the meatless balls for about 15 minutes.