🥗 DIABETIC-FRIENDLY VEGGIE BALLS

Perfect as a snack, side dish, or protein-rich meal addition. These veggie balls are baked (not fried), low in carbs, and made with wholesome ingredients.

🥦 INGREDIENTS

For the Veggie Balls (Makes 16–18 balls)

  • 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • ½ cup finely chopped spinach
  • ½ cup finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
  • ½ cup oat flour (or ground oats)
  • ¼ cup chickpea flour (or whole-wheat flour)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon pink salt or regular salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Add-ins (Diabetic Safe)

  • ½ cup crumbled low-fat feta
  • ¼ cup grated low-fat mozzarella
  • ½ cup cooked shredded chicken for extra protein

🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Grate the zucchini and place it in a towel.
  2. Squeeze out all water — very important to prevent sogginess.
  3. Grate carrots and finely chop spinach, onion, and cauliflower.
  4. Add all vegetables to a large bowl.

2️⃣ Mix the Dough

  1. Add garlic, parsley/cilantro, chili flakes, herbs, pepper, and salt.
  2. Add oat flour and chickpea flour.
  3. Add the egg and mix everything until a thick, sticky dough forms.
  4. If the mixture is too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons extra oat flour.
  5. Rest for 5 minutes to let the flours absorb moisture.

3️⃣ Shape the Veggie Balls

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease your hands with oil.
  3. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
  4. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  5. Brush lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

4️⃣ Bake

  1. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until golden and firm.
  2. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.

5️⃣ Serve

Perfect with:

  • Mint yogurt dip
  • Sugar-free tomato salsa
  • Lemon-herb yogurt sauce

🧮 NUTRITION ESTIMATE (Per 3 Veggie Balls)

  • Calories: 80–110
  • Carbs: 8–11g
  • Fiber: 2–3g
  • Protein: 3–5g
  • Fat: 3–5g
  • Sugar: 2–3g
  • Glycemic Load: Low

💡 DIABETES-FRIENDLY TIPS

  • Avoid breadcrumbs; use oats for low glycemic index.
  • Add protein like chicken or tofu to make it more filling.
  • Pair with low-fat yogurt, not creamy sugary sauces.
  • Best eaten baked — avoid frying to keep calories and fats low.

If you want, I can also provide:
✅ Diabetic Veggie Balls Curry
✅ Air-Fryer version
✅ High-protein version
OR
✅ A 20-paragraph SEO article for your website

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