Do you find yourself craving something comforting and hearty, but still light and healthy? These Vegan Eggplant Meatballs are the perfect solution. Imagine the satisfying bite of a traditional meatball, but with a plant-based twist that even non-vegans will love! Whether you’re serving them with your favorite pasta or dipping them in marinara sauce, they’re sure to become a weeknight staple. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, leaving you more time to enjoy and less time in the kitchen. Also, eggplant is low in calories but rich in fiber, promoting gut health and helping you feel full. The nutritional yeast in this recipe is not only adding a cheesy, savory flavor but is also packed with B vitamins, which are vital for energy production. These eggplant meatballs are also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a fun, satisfying way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These Vegan Eggplant Meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. By roasting or steaming the eggplant, you bring out its natural sweetness while giving the meatballs a great texture. The combination of spices and nutritional yeast adds depth of flavor, making these meatballs anything but bland. Eggplant has been a staple in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries, where it’s often used in dishes like baba ganoush and ratatouille.

Health Benefits:

This dish is an excellent source of plant-based fiber, which supports digestive health, lowers cholesterol levels, and keeps you fuller for longer. The flaxseeds provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and reducing inflammation. Nutritional yeast is a great way to boost your intake of B vitamins, which are often lacking in plant-based diets.

Nutrition Information:

Each serving of these meatballs contains around 180 calories, 7g of fiber, and 4g of protein, primarily from the breadcrumbs and flaxseeds.

Servings: 6
Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs per serving
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (make sure they’re vegan)

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)

  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Olive oil for baking

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam or roast the diced eggplant until it’s soft and tender, about 10 minutes. Allow the eggplant to cool slightly before handling.

  2. In a large bowl, mash the cooked eggplant. Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, flax egg (flaxseeds mixed with water), nutritional yeast, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil to help them get a crispy, golden exterior. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are firm and browned.

  4. Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own as a snack!

Time-Saving Tips:

You can roast the eggplant in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the meatballs. Also, make a double batch of the meatballs and freeze them for an easy meal on busy nights – just pop them in the oven to reheat!

Simple Swap:

If you’re looking for a fun variation, try swapping out the eggplant with zucchini! Simply steam or roast the zucchini just like you would the eggplant. Zucchini adds a lighter texture, while still maintaining the savory, comforting flavor of the dish. Perfect for when eggplants are out of season or when you want a change in texture!

Ready to give these Vegan Eggplant Meatballs a try? Let us know how you like to serve them and share your favorite plant-based recipes. These delicious, comforting meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your household! Visit our Contact Page to share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what recipes you’d love to see next.