Zucchini Meatballs are a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a classic comfort food. These scrumptious bites are not only packed with flavor but are also easy to make. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, they make for an ideal companion to your favorite pasta dishes, zoodles, or even served on a hoagie with melted cheese. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these healthy and delicious Zucchini Meatballs!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 500 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2.5 g)
- Several cranks of black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (10 g)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (25 g)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil and set aside.
- In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the pressed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add in the shredded zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes, until most of the water in the skillet has evaporated.
- Transfer the zucchini to a colander and press out the remaining liquid to ensure your meatballs are not soggy.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, chopped basil, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the drained zucchini until all ingredients are fully blended.
- Using a 2 Tbsp scoop, form about 20 tightly rolled meatballs and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are firm and lightly browned.
- Serve your Zucchini Meatballs with your favorite sauce over pasta, zoodles, or in a hoagie topped with cheese. ENJOY!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
Nutrition Info: Each serving contains about 120 calories, 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
How to serve
Zucchini Meatballs can be served in a variety of delicious ways. For a classic dinner, toss them with your favorite marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti or zoodles for a low-carb option. These meatballs also work great as a hearty filling in a hoagie, topped with mozzarella or provolone cheese, then melted for that irresistible pull. You can even enjoy them as an appetizer with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. The versatility of Zucchini Meatballs makes them a fantastic addition to any meal!
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Zucchini Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months.
2. How do I ensure my meatballs don’t fall apart?
Make sure to press out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible and combine the ingredients thoroughly. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together.
3. What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour as a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs in this recipe.