Vegetarian Meatballs

These Vegetarian Meatballs are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional meatballs. Packed with veggies like russet potatoes, carrots, and peas, they are flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a variety of dishes. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them a great addition to wraps, pita bread, or simply served with a side of yogurt sauce. These meatballs are perfect for a meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These veggie meatballs are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can serve them in tortillas, pita bread, or even enjoy them on their own with a tangy yogurt sauce. They’re loaded with nutritious vegetables and spices, and the crispy fried coating gives them that irresistible crunch. The yogurt sauce adds a creamy contrast, making these meatballs the perfect dish for anyone looking for a lighter yet filling meal.

Ingredients

• For the Veggie Meatballs:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 2 medium russet potatoes, shredded

  • 2 large carrots, shredded

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 14 ounces can sweet peas, rinsed and drained

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons corn flour

  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, plus more for coating

  • 1/4 cup oil (for frying)

  • Flour tortillas or pita bread, optional

• For the Yogurt Sauce (optional):

  • 1 cup plain yogurt

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt, to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried mint

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Vegetables:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, or until softened.

2. Add the shredded potatoes and shredded carrots, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Mix in the minced garlic and sweet peas, then season with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook for another 3 minutes and remove from heat.

Prepare the Mixture:

1. Stir in the lemon juice, corn flour, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Set the mixture aside to cool for about 10 minutes.

Shape the Meatballs:

1. Once the mixture is cool, shape it into 15 to 20 meatballs (depending on your preferred size).

2. Place the meatballs in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to chill and firm up.

Coat the Meatballs:

1. Place the remaining breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.

2. Roll each chilled meatball in the breadcrumbs, coating it evenly on all sides.

Fry the Meatballs:

1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add 4-5 meatballs at a time, cooking for 3 minutes on one side.

3. Turn the meatballs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides.

4. Drain the cooked meatballs on paper towels and repeat the process with the remaining meatballs.

Serve:

1. Serve the crispy vegetarian meatballs with flour tortillas or pita bread, and optionally, with a side of yogurt sauce.

For the Yogurt Sauce (optional):

1. In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt, minced garlic, salt, extra virgin olive oil, and dried mint.

2. Stir until smooth and serve alongside the meatballs for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 meatballs

• Prep Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Course: Main Course, Snack

• Cuisine: Vegetarian, Western

Variations

• Baked Version: If you prefer a lighter version, bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

• Spicy Meatballs: Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

• Vegan Version: Use vegan yogurt for the sauce and opt for vegan-friendly breadcrumbs and corn flour for a completely plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of vegetable?

Yes, you can use zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even spinach to replace or supplement the potatoes and carrots. Just make sure the vegetables are shredded and not too watery.

2. Can I make these meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry them. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

3. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure the corn flour you use is also gluten-free.

4. Can I use canned peas?

Yes, canned sweet peas work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly.

5. Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they’re golden and crispy.

6. Can I serve these with a different sauce?

Absolutely! These meatballs would pair well with a variety of sauces, like marinara, a spicy tomato chutney, or even a tahini sauce for a different flavor profile.

7. How can I make the meatballs fluffier?

Adding an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) can help make the meatballs fluffier.

8. How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?

The meatballs should be golden brown on all sides and crispy on the outside. You can also cut one open to ensure they’re cooked through and soft on the inside.

9. Can I make these meatballs without frying them?

Yes, you can pan-fry them with less oil or even cook them in an air fryer for a healthier option.

10. Can I serve these meatballs as a main dish?

Yes! These veggie meatballs make a great main dish, served with rice, salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

These Vegetarian Meatballs are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional meatballs, offering a flavorful combination of vegetables, spices, and crispy texture. Whether you serve them in wraps, pita, or as a standalone dish with yogurt sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. The recipe is flexible and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, making it a great addition to any meal!

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