-Friendly Broccoli Balls
Table of Contents
- Ingredients:
- Instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1.33 tsp oil
- 0.67 cup finely chopped onion
- 1.33 large head of broccoli, florets and tender stem (peel off the knobs from the stem and use)
- 2.67 tbsp fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.67 tsp dried oregano
- 0.67 tsp garlic powder
- 0.67 tsp chipotle pepper (adjust to taste)
- 0.33 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.33 tsp salt
- 1.33 tbsp or more nutritional yeast
- 0.33 cup almond meal
- 0.33 cup or more whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1.33 chia seed egg (1 tbsp chia seeds or chia seed meal mixed with 3 tbsp warm water, let sit for 2 minutes to gel)
- 0.33 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 0.33 cup reduced-fat vegan cheese shreds (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pulse the broccoli and basil in a food processor until grated. Add to the pan (aim for approximately 2.5 to 3 cups grated). Add a dash of salt, mix, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to dry out excess moisture. If the broccoli is already dry, cook for only a minute. Take off heat.
- Add in the dried oregano, garlic powder, chipotle pepper, black pepper, salt, nutritional yeast, almond meal, breadcrumbs, and almond milk. Mix well.
- Make the chia seed egg (1 tbsp chia seeds or chia seed meal mixed with 3 tbsp warm water, let sit for 2 minutes to gel) and mix it into the mixture. Adjust the consistency with more breadcrumbs if needed.
- Shape the mixture into balls. If the balls are too crumbly, add another chia egg, or sprinkle some non-dairy milk and mix well.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200ºC.
- Bake for a total of 20 to 25 minutes or until crisp and golden on the outside. Turn the sheet around after 15 minutes and continue to bake. You can also sprinkle reduced-fat vegan cheese shreds on the balls in the last 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, over spaghetti, or as veggie balls in a sub sandwich.
Title: Gourmet Delight: Nutrient-Packed Friendly Broccoli Balls
Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey with our Friendly Broccoli Balls, a delightful fusion of vibrant broccoli, aromatic herbs, and wholesome ingredients. Elevate your dining experience as you explore the step-by-step guide to creating these nutrient-packed gems that promise to be a hit at any gathering or as a flavorful addition to your meals.
Ingredients:
- Oil (1.33 tsp):
- Choose a light, neutral oil to kickstart the sautéing process and infuse the broccoli balls with a touch of richness.
- Onion (0.67 cup, finely chopped):
- The savory undertones of finely chopped onions add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Broccoli (1.33 large head, florets and tender stem):
- Harness the wholesome goodness of broccoli, finely grated to seamlessly blend into the broccoli ball mixture.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (2.67 tbsp) or Dried Basil (1 tsp):
- Fresh basil leaves or dried basil contribute a fragrant note, enhancing the overall aromatic experience.
- Dried Oregano (0.67 tsp):
- A sprinkle of dried oregano brings a hint of Mediterranean flair, complementing the other herbs and spices.
- Garlic Powder (0.67 tsp):
- Introduce the robust essence of garlic powder, adding a savory kick to the broccoli mixture.
- Chipotle Pepper (0.67 tsp, adjust to taste):
- Tailor the spice level with chipotle pepper, providing a smoky heat that elevates the flavor profile.
- Ground Black Pepper (0.33 tsp):
- A touch of ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall balance of flavors.
- Salt (0.33 tsp):
- A dash of salt ensures the harmonious integration of flavors, elevating the taste of the broccoli balls.
- Nutritional Yeast (1.33 tbsp or more):
- Nutritional yeast contributes a cheesy, umami richness, enhancing the depth of flavor without compromising on health.
- Almond Meal (0.33 cup):
- Almond meal introduces a nutty undertone, contributing to the texture and nutritional profile of the broccoli balls.
- Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs (0.33 cup or more):
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs act as a binding agent, creating the desired consistency for shaping the broccoli balls.
- Chia Seed Egg (1.33):
- A chia seed egg serves as a vegan-friendly binding agent, ensuring the cohesiveness of the broccoli ball mixture.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk (0.33 cup):
- Unsweetened almond milk provides moisture and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture.
- Reduced-Fat Vegan Cheese Shreds (0.33 cup, optional):
- For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle reduced-fat vegan cheese shreds on the broccoli balls before baking.
Instructions:
- Sauté Onions:
- Begin by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and aromatic.
- Prepare Broccoli Mixture:
- Pulse the broccoli and basil in a food processor until grated. Add to the pan, season with a dash of salt, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to eliminate excess moisture.
- Spice Infusion:
- Introduce dried oregano, garlic powder, chipotle pepper, black pepper, salt, nutritional yeast, almond meal, breadcrumbs, and almond milk. Mix thoroughly.
- Chia Seed Egg Integration:
- Prepare a chia seed egg and incorporate it into the mixture. Adjust the consistency with more breadcrumbs if needed.
- Shape and Bake:
- Form the mixture into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200ºC. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Optional Cheese Topping:
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle reduced-fat vegan cheese shreds on the broccoli balls for a melty finish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Friendly Broccoli Balls warm with marinara sauce, over spaghetti, or as veggie balls in a sub sandwich.
Conclusion: Experience the satisfaction of crafting gourmet-friendly broccoli balls, a testament to the harmonious fusion of flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether enjoyed as appetizers, on top of spaghetti, or nestled in a sub sandwich, these nutrient-packed delights redefine the art of plant-based culinary indulgence. Share the joy of flavorful and health-conscious eating with our Friendly Broccoli Balls recipe!