16 Italian Eggplant Meatballs Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Eggplant is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is popular in Italian cuisine. It is often used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes, and one of the most delicious ways to enjoy eggplant is in the form of meatballs. These Italian eggplant meatballs are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with a combination of eggplant, breadcrumbs, and herbs, these meatballs are packed with flavor and can be served as a main dish or as a tasty appetizer. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own mouth-watering eggplant meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends.
West African Vegetable & Peanut Stew over Couscous
Main Ingredients: Couscous, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Scallion, Italian
If you're looking to spice up your beer can chicken game, this West African Vegetable & Peanut Stew over Couscous is a must-try. The combination of tender chicken and hearty vegetables cooked in a flavorful peanut sauce will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, serving it over couscous adds a unique twist and makes for a satisfying meal.
2of 20
Ratatouille-Inspired Summer Veggie Dish
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Sweet Onion, Zucchini
Inspired by the classic French dish, this Ratatouille-Inspired Summer Veggie Dish is the perfect way to showcase fresh summer produce. With layers of eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and bell peppers, this dish is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a colorful and impressive spread.
3of 20
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Main Ingredients: Zucchini Flowers, Zucchini, Italian Eggplant, Yellow
Take your beer can chicken game to the next level with these Stuffed Zucchini Flowers. These delicate blossoms are filled with a creamy ricotta and herb mixture and then baked to perfection. The result is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken.
4of 20
Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
For a hearty and comforting meal, try this Eggplant Cacciatore. This Italian classic is typically made with chicken, but the eggplant adds a delicious and vegetarian-friendly twist. Plus, the combination of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a flavorful sauce that will have you reaching for seconds.
5of 20
Eggplant Parm
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Eggs, Flour, Italian Seasoning
A classic Italian dish, Eggplant Parm is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken. Simply layer slices of eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
6of 20
Pasta with Eggplant, Tomato & Olive Sauce
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Olive, Small Onion, Black Pepper, Garlic
This Pasta with Eggplant, Tomato & Olive Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender eggplant, tangy tomatoes, and salty olives creates a well-balanced and satisfying pasta sauce. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
7of 20
Classic Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Yellow
If you're a fan of traditional lasagna, you'll love this Classic Eggplant Lasagna. The eggplant adds a unique twist to the dish, while still maintaining all the classic flavors of a traditional lasagna. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal.
8of 20
Baked Pasta with Eggplant, Fennel, & Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes, Crushed Red
This Baked Pasta with Eggplant, Fennel, & Tomatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of tender eggplant, fennel, and tomatoes creates a rich and comforting pasta sauce that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
9of 20
Pasta Alla Norma
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italian Eggplant, Medium Onion
Pasta Alla Norma is a classic Italian dish that features eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be made in under 30 minutes. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Italian Eggplant Meatballs / Polpette
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Large Egg, Grated Parmesan Cheese
If you're looking for a unique and vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional meatballs, give these Italian Eggplant Meatballs a try. The eggplant adds a meaty texture and the combination of herbs and cheese creates a delicious and flavorful dish. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Vegan Eggplant Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Flax Seeds, Water, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic
If you're following a plant-based diet, these Vegan Eggplant Meatballs are a must-try. Made with a combination of eggplant, beans, and spices, these "meatballs" are not only delicious but also packed with protein. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
12of 20
Best Skinny Eggplant Rollatini with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Marinara
For a lighter take on traditional Eggplant Rollatini, try this Skinny version. The eggplant is filled with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, making for a delicious and nutritious dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of pickled veggies, this Italian Pickled Eggplant is a must-try. The tangy and flavorful eggplant pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken. Plus, it's a great way to preserve any excess eggplant from your garden or farmer's market haul.
14of 20
The Middle Eastern Bowl
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Dried Oregano, Cherry Tomatoes, Mixed
This Middle Eastern-inspired bowl is a great way to elevate your beer can chicken game. It features a flavorful and colorful combination of spiced chicken, hummus, eggplant, and fresh herbs. Serve it with warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic
Eggplant Caponata is a Sicilian dish that features eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delicious and unique side dish.
16of 20
Baked Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Yellow Zucchini, Italian Eggplant, Roma
Ratatouille is a classic French dish that features eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and bell peppers. This Baked Ratatouille is a great way to showcase fresh summer produce and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Plus, the leftovers make for a great lunch the next day.
17of 20
Ina's Roasted Eggplant Dip
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Garlic
Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, has a delicious recipe for Roasted Eggplant Dip that is a must-try. The eggplant is roasted until tender and then blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a flavorful and creamy dip. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
18of 20
Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Zucchini, Summer Squash, Red Bell
If you're looking for a classic and simple way to showcase your eggplant, try making Ratatouille. This dish combines eggplant with zucchini, tomato, and bell peppers for a flavorful and well-balanced meal. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
19of 20
Vegetable Stuffed Eggplant Rollatini
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Diced Onion, Garlic Cloves, Celery
For a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Eggplant Rollatini, try this Vegetable Stuffed version. The eggplant is filled with a hearty and flavorful mixture of vegetables and topped with a creamy cheese sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
20of 20
Baba Ganoush Eggplant Dip
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplants, Lemon, Garlic, Tahini, Extra Virgin
Baba Ganoush is a popular Middle Eastern dip that features roasted eggplant, tahini, and spices. It's a great way to showcase the rich and smoky flavor of eggplant and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve it with warm pita bread or fresh veggies for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Preparing the Eggplant
Choosing the Right Eggplant
To make the perfect eggplant meatballs, it is essential to choose the right eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm and glossy with no soft spots or bruises. The skin should be smooth and shiny, and the stem should be green and fresh-looking. Larger eggplants tend to have more seeds, so opt for medium-sized ones for this recipe.
Removing the Bitterness
Some people find eggplant to be bitter, but this can be easily remedied by salting the eggplant before cooking. This process draws out the bitter liquid from the eggplant, leaving it with a sweeter and milder flavor. To do this, simply slice the eggplant into rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and patting dry.
Making the Meatballs
Ingredients You Will Need
To make these delicious meatballs, you will need 2 medium-sized eggplants, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and olive oil for frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the eggplants into small cubes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the eggplant cubes for 20 minutes, or until they are tender.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked eggplant, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
6. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
8. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
9. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian eggplant meatballs can be served as a main dish with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce, or as an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce. They are also great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. These meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!
West African Vegetable & Peanut Stew over Couscous
![WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE]](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAfpVeLwJwU/XNmP36R_tQI/AAAAAAAAExU/uu9Sw7WrRbAj1NXeHxkqNaHMV5wqsFC2gCLcBGAs/s1600/WEST%2BAFRICAN%2BPEANUT%2BSTEW%2B%255BVEGAN%2B%2526%2BGLUTEN-FREE%255D.jpg)
![Eggplant Lasagna [vegan] - Contentedness Cooking](https://www.contentednesscooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Eggplant-Lasagna-6.jpg)
